Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 346: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when applications will be allowed for category B funding from dormant bank accounts; if he will report on the qualifying conditions for same (details supplied). [16328/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund are designed to assist three broad categories of persons; those who are economically and socially disadvantaged, those who are educationally disadvantaged and persons with a disability. The Government approved the allocation of €60 million from the Fund in 2006 and a breakdown of this figure shows that €24 million will be allocated towards projects tackling social and economic disadvantage (Category A); €18 million towards projects tackling educational disadvantage (Category B) and €18 million towards projects assisting persons with a disability (Category C).

After consulting with the appropriate Ministers and having obtained the approval of Government, I announced details on 4th January 2006 concerning the allocation of €24 million for the purpose of supporting programmes and types of projects tackling social and economic disadvantage. The rollout of these programmes is well under way at this point and invitations have issued seeking applications for a number of funding measures.

With regard to the other two categories (educational disadvantage and persons with a disability), the consultation process required under the legislation is now near completion. I expect that proposals which will provide for funding of €18 million under each of these categories will be brought by the Minister to Government shortly for approval. Subsequently, I anticipate that there will be a call for applications under Category B and this will set out relevant eligibility conditions.