Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2016
222. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of an application under the early years capital grant 2016 (details supplied) including when she will make a decision on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11014/16]
View answerCapital funding of €4 million is being made available through the Early Years Capital Programme in 2016 for early years pre-school services, both private and not-for-profit/community, that are intending to expand their service to provide for more capacity in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The maximum grant available under this programme is €10,000. The closing date for applications was 8 April, 2016.
Pobal is responsible for the administration of this funding scheme on behalf of my Department. I have been advised by Pobal that an appraisal process is underway and that recommendations for approval of funding, in line with the published criteria, will be with my Department by early June. The award of funding will be based partially on evidence of current need and/or projected future demand for additional ECCE places in 2016/2017 in the catchment area of each applying service. The relevant City/County Childcare Committee will assist Pobal with demand versus supply data. Value for money is also an awarding criteria and the costs-grant requested relative to the number of ECCE places being created will be taken into account when evaluating grant applications.
I have been advised by Pobal that an application from Doodlebugs Creche & Montessori has been received and that it is currently in the appraisal process.
Grant agreements will be issued to successful applicants in July 2016. The date by which a service's grant and own funds must be fully spent and reported to Pobal is 31st December 2016.
