Dáil Éireann - Volume 552 - 24 April, 2002

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin

  132. Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if funding will be made available to the Tír na nÓg organisation for the provision of a child care facility in Ballydesmond, County Cork, and the running costs of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12660/02]

Mr. O'Donoghue Mr. O'Donoghue

  Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): My Department has been assigned the lead role in the development and co-ordination of child care services over the course of the National Development Plan, 2000-2006. In this regard, the Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme, which is funded by both the European Union and the Exchequer, provides grant assistance to community-based, non-profit making organisations and private child care providers who meet the criteria set out in the programme.

1264

[1264]   With regard to Tír na nÓg, Ballydesmond, County Cork, I have been informed by the childcare directorate of my Department that this group submitted application forms for both capital and staffing grants on 5 February 2002. These applications will now be subject to the normal assessment and appraisal process before I make a final decision regarding funding of the project.

  The Deputy will understand that, at this stage, it would be premature of me to comment any further on this particular matter.

Dáil Éireann 552 Written Answers. Child Care Services.

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