Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

223. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the funding available in 2014 through the dormant account distribution scheme; if applications for funding are being accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43129/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have allocated €6.385m for Dormant Accounts Measures in 2013, which includes €2.835m to cover once off costs, such as health and safety training, personal protective clothing and necessary equipment and materials, that will be incurred by local authorities providing placements in the Department of Social Protection’s (DSP’s) Local Authority Employment Initiative, with the remainder to be used to meet existing contractual commitments. 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 scheme will be submitted to Government shortly for approval and, in accordance with the 2012 Act, laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The 2012 Act also provides for the preparation of an action plan to give effect the disbursement scheme. The plan will also be subject to consultation with relevant Government colleagues and will 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 the Houses of the Oireachtas. There are no programmes or measures open for application at present under the Dormant Accounts Fund.