Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Under the balances on dormant accounts with banks, building societies and An Post and the net encashment value of certain life assurance policies are paid into the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is managed by the (NTMA). The primary purpose of the legislation is to re-unite the original account holders with their moneys, including all interest due. In addition, the legislation provides that disbursements from the fund may be made for charitable purposes or for purposes of community benefit.

In accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012, a new Disbursement Scheme, which outlines the programmes for which moneys may be disbursed from the fund, was approved by Government in December 2013. The 2012 Act also provides for an Action Plan to give effect to the Scheme. Full details of the measures adopted under the Action Plan in 2014, which continue to be rolled out this year, are avail able on my Department’s website at:

Under the Plan, Pobal are administering measures on behalf of my Department that will promote social enterprise and youth employment, employability and entrepreneurship in disadvantaged areas. Applications will be open to eligible community and voluntary sector organisations, Local Community Development Committees, local development companies and statutory and other public agencies from 1 July next with a closing date of 22 July.

Pobal are also administering new training and support services for home carers on behalf of the Department of Social Protection and a range of measures on behalf of the Department of Health. Applications under these measures can also be made, during the same period.

Full details of all the measures being rolled out by Pobal are available on .