Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 6

Written Answers. - Dormant Accounts Fund.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

266 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he intends to make formal application to the Dormant Accounts Fund for ?10 million to meet new funding planned for the new rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30377/03]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

267 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to fund the new rural social scheme from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2005 and in subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30378/03]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

268 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the amount of money to be provided by the Dormant Accounts Fund will be reduced from ?30 million to ?20 million in the first year due to the introduction of the new rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30379/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 to 268, inclusive, together.

The focus of the scheme, which was announced in last week's budget, will be to provide ongoing income and employment support to those, such as small farmers, who can no longer make a viable living on the land. It is intended that the scheme will be ongoing.

Funding for the scheme will be provided from savings made in social welfare payments and there will be an extra provision of €10 million to cover additional costs of wages, insurance and materials. It is intended that this €10 million will come from the Dormant Accounts Fund and will be additional to the €30 million annually which will be distributed under the fund in accordance with the Dormant Accounts Board disbursement plan which was published in early November.