Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the dormant accounts fund and application process for 2009; if funding is available to assist breakfast clubs in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43056/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Dormant Accounts Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in April 2003 to the end of September 2009, the transfers to the DAF have totalled some €513.90m. Funds reclaimed since April 2003 total some €181.27m.

The value of the DAF at the end of September 2009, net of liabilities, was some €49.76m. This figure excludes €46.47m maintained in a Reserve Account to meet future reclaims by account holders and to cover expenses associated with the operation of the DAF.

The process in place with regard to support from the DAF provides for consideration of applications received on foot of advertised measures. The only Dormant Accounts application processes involving this Department in 2009 concerned the Dormant Accounts Additionality Measure in RAPID areas. The priorities for the 2010 Programme will be considered over the coming months.

The overall objective is to ensure that dormant accounts funds are disbursed in a manner that optimises their effectiveness. To achieve this objective, the key underlying principles seek to promote additionality, take into account government policies and priorities, support programmes or projects that can make a demonstrable difference and can achieve discernible impacts, ensure good value for money, display a clear and identified. It is also necessary for promoting groups or organisations to demonstrate that they are capable of undertaking and managing the project and funds should be disbursed to projects or programmes that are sustainable.

With regard to funding for breakfast clubs, I understand that the Department of Education and Science in conjunction with the Department of Social and Family Affairs address the current provision of school meals. As this is currently a mainstreamed programme, the principle of additionality, from the DAF could only be met where disbursements are for purposes that are additional to and not a substitute for mainstream government spending. Any additions to the current school meals programme would be a matter in the first instance for the Departments of Education and Science and Social and Family Affairs.