Vol. 543 No. 2
677 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for funding by persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if grants under the equal opportunities child care programme 2000-2006 have been approved for these applicants; if so, when the grants can be drawn down; if the application can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/01]
As the Deputy is aware, capital grant schemes for private child care providers are part of the Government's child care funding initiatives administered under my Department's equal opportunities child care programme 2000 to 2006.
I understand from my Department's equal opportunities child care section that an application form for a capital grant was received from the persons concerned on 1 August 2001. Funding was sought towards the cost of constructing and equipping a new pre-school facility. This application was forwarded to Area Development Management Limited on 14 August 2001. I have requested an update from ADM Limited, and have been advised that a technical assessment of this application is being carried out prior to referral to the programme appraisal committee. Once the assessment and appraisal process is complete, I will make a decision shortly thereafter. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on the application.
