James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

136. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if new grants will be announced under the dormant accounts criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41577/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, funding under the Dormant Accounts Programme is accessed though an annual call for proposals from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. I understand that a new call for proposals will issue in the first quarter of 2017.

The funding allocated to my Department under the Dormant Accounts subhead increased from €3.3m in 2016 to €6m in 2017. It is intended that this funding will be used to support projects to assist victims of domestic violence; address issues in the Traveller community; fund activities under Garda Youth Diversion projects; and assist with the integration of migrants. An application to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has overall responsibility for oversight of the disbursement of the fund, will be made for approval to allocate the funds as outlined above. Following this, that department will make a decision regarding the projects approved for funding.