Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy raised a number of questions I will attempt to answer within the time limits. The rural social scheme was included in the programme for Government and the Fianna Fáil manifesto for the last election. The scheme was announced in the budget and when one announces a scheme mechanisms must be found. The Department of Finance directed that the money be paid through a suspense account and that issue has been dealt with and the money will be included in the Vote.

The money from the dormant accounts funds must be used for different headings, including social and economic disadvantage. No reference is made to an obligation to grant it to voluntary bodies. The sum of €10 million allocated from the dormant accounts fund was properly authorised, consistent with the provisions of the Dormant Accounts Act 2001, which, in section 41(1)(a) details programmes or projects that are designed to assist the personal, educational and social development of persons who are economically, educationally or socially disadvantaged or persons with a disability within the meaning of the Equal Status Act 2000. Section 41(1)(b) provides that the Minister, in consultation with the board, may from time to time specify programmes that are consistent with the requirements of section 41(1)(a). I consulted the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursement Board in accordance with the relevant legislation and following that consultation the board released €10 million for the rural social scheme.

The entire sum of €10 million has been properly and solely spent in the rural and social scheme. The matter raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General, whether it should have been channelled through the Vote in a Supplementary Estimate or through a suspense account, is purely procedural. From now on this will be done through a Supplementary Estimate.

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