Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
74 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he expects legislation concerning the dormant accounts fund to be enacted; the criteria the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board will use in terms of considering the groups that will receive money from the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33230/04]
View answerThe Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published on 24 June 2004, thus fulfilling a commitment given by Government in December 2003, following its review of arrangements in relation to dormant accounts funding. The Bill was introduced in Seanad Éireann on 29 June 2004 and completed all Stages in that House on 8 December 2004. It is anticipated that the Bill will be introduced in Dáil Éireann early in 2005, subject to the agreement of the Whips.
While the Bill provides for key changes to the role of the board and in relation to decision-making on disbursements, the objectives of the disbursements scheme remain unchanged. Allocations from the fund will continue to target programmes or projects designed to assist three broad categories of persons — those affected by economic and social disadvantage; those affected by educational disadvantage; and persons with a disability.
