John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the details of the new schemes or programmes he intends to fund in 2013 out of the dormant accounts fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12705/13]

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 2013 in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012. My Department will consult with relevant Government Departments, and such other persons as appropriate, in relation to drafting the disbursement scheme, specific details of which are not yet available. The new scheme must be approved by Government and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas which then have 21 days to consider it.

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 in the plan in relation to a particular class or classes of programme or project.  Once the plan is adopted, a copy must also be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, where it may be considered within a 21 day period. 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.