Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposed funding from the Dormant Accounts and Rapid Leverage Funds to counteract educational disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7781/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund are designed to assist three broad categories of persons:

those affected by economic and social disadvantage;

those affected by educational disadvantage; and

persons with a disability.

Within the overall allocation of €60 million in 2006, the Government ring-fenced €18 million from dormant accounts to support projects tackling educational disadvantage.

A significant element of this funding is being used for a Small Scale Capital Grant funding measure for schools participating in the DEIS Programme, schools located in or serving RAPID areas and Special schools. Through this measure, for which the Department of Education and Science is the lead Department, funding is being made available to provide facilities such as parent rooms, dining areas, outdoor play areas and libraries in eligible schools. In addition, allocations to RAPID designated schools under this funding measure will be matched through my Department's RAPID Leverage Fund up to a total of €6 million.

Applications were invited from eligible schools in January this year and the closing date for receipt of applications is 1 March 2007. In accordance with the dormant accounts legislation, all applications received will be evaluated against approved assessment criteria and recommendations submitted to Government for approval.