Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
437. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will approve funding under the early years capital fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30241/15]
View answerFunding totalling €7 million is being made available in 2015 under the Early Years Capital Programme 2015, with €5 million of this funding available for grants specifically for community/not for profit services. This funding will provide grant aid, in the region of €500,000, for significant upgrades of community/not-for-profit services, such as major refurbishment or relocation to new premises. Also under this strand of funding, grants of up to €50,000 will be available for essential maintenance, or works undertaken to improve the energy performance of childcare facilities. The remaining €2 million in capital funding is being made available for both private and community childcare facilities to access grants of up to €500 for quality improvement measures, specifically in the area of upgrading IT facilities.
I understand that the childcare service referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to Pobal, who is administering this programme on behalf of my Department. Pobal has now commenced the process of appraising applications and all applicants will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
