Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he does not support allowing emigrant groups representing Irish born citizens living overseas to apply for funding under the dormant account funds scheme; if he will reconsider his position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10763/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I dealt with this issue comprehensively during Priority Questions. The Government is fully committed to providing supports to vulnerable Irish communities living abroad. This commitment is clearly demonstrated by the allocation of significant funding directly from the Exchequer to support emigrant organisations. The figure in 2006 comes to over €12 million.

With regard to the dormant accounts fund, the Deputy will be aware that disbursements are designed to assist three broad categories of persons: those who are economically or socially disadvantaged, those who are educationally disadvantaged and persons with a disability. In light of the significant funding for emigrant organisations as outlined above, it is my intention that allocations from dormant accounts in 2006 will remain focused on tackling disadvantage in Ireland. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that following Government approval, I announced details on 4 January 2006 concerning the allocation of €24 million for the purpose of supporting programmes and projects tackling economic and social disadvantage.