Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a former Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív understands better than anybody the difficulties relating to this matter and the complex nature of how the fund is operated. I believe some €82 million is currently in the account. The dormancy period is 15 years, dating each year from 30 September. An account is designated dormant when on 30 September there have been no transactions by the account holder in the previous 15 years. Due to constitutional and privacy issues it can often be difficult to trace people who may be entitled to the money in an account that is lying dormant. The dormancy period of 15 years is a considerable period of time and has its own implications as to how one can draw down moneys that might ultimately be drawn down by the account holder. It is a complex relationship. As to what the Deputy stated in regard to the general Government balance, this money is counted because it is deemed to be money owed to people at present under the law.

See this speech in context