Child Care Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2006

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Questions (342)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

363 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a grant will be awarded to a school (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that the application was submitted on 28 August 2005; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for many months this non-profit making group are using their own resources and overdraft facilities which are now exhausted; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that if this school has to close down it will cause immense problems to the underprivileged in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11607/06]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the national child care investment programme 2006 to 2010 has been assigned to the Department of Health and Children as part of the establishment of the new Office of the Minister for Children under the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

With regard to the application for staffing grant assistance under the equal opportunities child care programme 2000 to 2006, I understand that the community-based group in question was recently approved continuation staffing funding of €96,000, up to 31 December 2007. I further understand that the child care directorate of the Office of the Minister for Children has informed the group of this decision.