John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the programmes he intends to run under the Dormant Accounts Fund this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20468/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 6 on today’s order paper.

This year, I have allocated €2.835m from the Dormant Accounts Fund from my Department to support labour activation measures in local authorities.

The Disbursement Plan of 2009, put in place by the Dormant Accounts Board, will be replaced later this year by a new disbursement scheme in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012. The new disbursement scheme will operate from next year. My Department is consulting with relevant Government Departments and other stakeholders as appropriate in relation to drafting the disbursement scheme. The new scheme will be submitted to Government for approval and, in accordance with the 2012 Act, laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas which will 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.