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Departmental Programmes.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (233)

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

295 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next announcement of awards under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 are due. [27847/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 is a seven year development programme which aims to increase the availability and quality of child care to support parents in employment, education and training. The progress of the programme was commented upon very favourably by the mid-term evaluators of both the regional operational programmes and the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and, following the mid-term review, additional funding of approximately €12 million was made available for the child care measures. This brings the total funding available for the programme to €449.3 million. This now includes an increased provision for capital developments for which €157 million has been set aside.

Since 2000, my Department, with the technical assistance of ADM Limited, has processed and I have approved 1,253 applications for capital grant assistance of more than €120 million and 997 applications for staffing grant assistance totalling €103 million. Almost €45 million has been allocated for quality projects. A list of outstanding capital applications is now being finalised and my Department will write to the applicants in the near future.

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