296 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in 2006 on the payment of a child care grant under the EOCP to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [3390/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 has been assigned to the Department of Health and Children as part of the establishment of the new Office of the Minister for Children, under the Minister with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

With regard to the approval of capital grant assistance of €50,790 to the private provider in question under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, I understand from inquires I have made that the first payment of this grant was made in December 2005. The remainder of the grant will be paid as per the contractual agreement between Pobal, formerly known as ADM Ltd., and the private provider.