102 Mr. E. Walsh asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the number of child care projects approved by him for south Dublin in each of the past five years; the comparative figures for the previous five year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12075/97]

I have approved 32 child care projects in south Dublin under the pilot child care initiative, which I introduced in my Department in 1994; 20 in 1994, none in 1995, five in 1996 and seven in 1997. The question of comparative figures for previous years does not arise.