Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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146. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there is funding available in 2013 through the dormant account distribution scheme; if applications for funding are being accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29514/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Disbursement Plan of 2009, put in place by the former Dormant Accounts Board, will be replaced later this year by a new disbursement scheme in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012. My Department is consulting with relevant Government Departments and other stakeholders as appropriate in relation to the preparation of the new scheme; the scheme will be submitted to Government for approval and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The legislation also provides for the preparation 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.

There are currently no measures open under the Dormant Accounts Fund. I have allocated €6.385m for Dormant Accounts Measures in 2013, which includes €2.835m to be used to support labour activation measures in Local Authorities and the remainder to meet existing commitments.