In January 2003, a staffing grant of €12,000 for one year, and a capital grant of €20,426 was allocated under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 to the group referred to by the Deputy.
As the Deputy will appreciate, funding under the staffing measure of the programme is awarded to community based organisations providing child care which supports disadvantaged parents, particularly women, while accessing employment, educational or training opportunities. I understand that the group was advised of the requirement to prepare and submit a development plan which demonstrates their focus on disadvantage, if future funding of the service beyond one year was to be considered.
As the Deputy may be aware, each application for funding under the EOCP undergoes an assessment by Area Development Management Ltd., which has been engaged by my Department to carry out the day to day administration of the programme. When the assessment is completed each application is then considered by the programme appraisal committee, PAC, of the EOCP, chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision.
In April 2004, following a submission by the group for staffing grant assistance for a further two years, I concurred with a recommendation of the PAC not to approve additional staffing funding in this instance, as the group had not satisfactorily demonstrated their focus on disadvantage and therefore has limited impact on the objectives of the programme in respect of which current funding is allocated for staffing purposes.
However, should the group wish to offer additional material to substantiate that submitted in their original application, it is open to the group to submit an appeal to my Department which will be appraised by ADM Ltd. and considered by the programme appraisal committee.