Written answers
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Dormant Accounts Fund
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends launching any new programmes under the dormant accounts funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46176/12]
Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Disbursement Plan of 2009, put in place by the Dormant Accounts Board, will be replaced by a new disbursement scheme to be created in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012, which was enacted in July 2012. The 2012 Act, inter alia, amends Part 6 of the Principal Act, which relates to disbursement of monies from the Dormant Accounts Fund. Section 42 provides forthe following:
The legislation also provides for the preparations of an action plan each year following the making of a scheme. The plan, which will also be subject to consultation, must indicate the programmes or types of projects that may apply for disbursement and the maximum funds available. Different amounts may be specified by the Minister in the plan in relation to a particular class or classes of programme or project. Once the plan is adopted, a copy must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, where it may be considered within a 21 day period. The plan must also be published. Provision is made, in addition, for adopting or not adopting a plan and for not proceeding to invite applications under a plan, if appropriate in particular circumstances. Any decision not to proceed must be approved by Government.Making by the Minister of a disbursement scheme no later than 12 months after the “appointed day” relating to programmes or projects for which moneys may be disbursed. The “appointed day” has been set at 31 December 2012.
The scheme (or any subsequent amendment to it) must be prepared by the Minister having consulted with the Minister for Health, the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Social Protection. The Minister may also consult with other Ministers or persons.
The Minister must have regard to the policies and priorities of Government, the amount of moneys available or likely to be available, and the need to ensure value for money in setting out a scheme.
The scheme must apply for a maximum period of 3 years, set out the objectives to be achieved by making disbursements and contain any other information considered appropriate by the Minister.
The Minister may, from time to time, but must within three years of making a scheme and every three years thereafter, review a scheme or any part of a scheme.
A scheme or an amendment to a scheme must be approved by Government.
A scheme, including an amendment to a scheme, must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, and the Oireachtas allowed 21 days to consider it.
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