The National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 is implemented by my Office with the assistance of Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programme and, at local level, by the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
As the Deputy may be aware, applications for capital grant funding under the NCIP are processed, in the first instance, by the CCCs and are then forwarded to Pobal. Final consideration of applications is made by the Childcare Directorate of my Office and they are then recommended for decision by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children, who is the Accounting Officer responsible for the NCIP. I understand that the applicant in question has made two separate applications for funding, for premises in Knocklyon and Templeogue, and that these were received by Pobal in June 2008. These are now at the final stage of processing in my Office and I understand that a decision will be communicated to the applicant in the coming weeks.