Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
401 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will set aside money from the dormant accounts fund for the provision of radiotherapy services in the south-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13506/04]
View answerDecisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board has engaged Area Development Management Limited to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf which involves the disbursement of up to €30 million from the fund. The closing date for receipt of applications for this round of funding was 5 March 2004.
The board's disbursement plan and the published guidelines for applicants specify that funding will be targeted towards programmes or projects to assist three broad categories of persons — those affected be economic and social disadvantage, educational disadvantage and persons with a disability. Only applications received by the closing deadline and which relate to these specific purposes will be considered under this round of funding by the board.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided in December 2003 to make a number of changes to the manner in which dormant accounts funding is disbursed. Legislation to give effect to the proposed changes is currently being drafted and will be published in the next few weeks. It is proposed that the Government will, in future, make decisions in relation to disbursements from the fund with the board providing an important advisory and monitoring role.
It should be noted, however, that disbursements will continue to be directed towards assisting those affected by social, economic and educational disadvantage and persons with a disability.
