Community Care.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2006

Tuesday, 24 October 2006

Questions (271)

Phil Hogan

Question:

342 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on increasing the grant assistance for a voluntary group (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the shortfall of funding for that community organisation and the failure by other groups in the area to fulfil the criteria relating to site and planning permission in the current year and the fact that this group is approved in respect of the necessary criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34535/06]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.

I understand that the Group in question has been approved total capital grant assistance of €417,323 under the EOCP and has also been approved staffing grant assistance of €177,830, up to 31 December 2007. I understand from enquiries I have made that, to date, the Group has not submitted a formal request for additional funding under the EOCP.