Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
435. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount distributed from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2011 and 2012; his plans to make distributions in 2013 and to what value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2294/13]
View answerThe total amount disbursed from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2011 was €8.4m; €4.16m was disbursed in 2012. The Disbursement Plan of 2009, put in place by the Dormant Accounts Board, will be replaced by a new disbursement scheme in 2013, to be created in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012. The 2012 Act, inter alia, amends Part 6 of the Principal Act, which relates to disbursement of monies from the Dormant Accounts Fund. Section 42 provides for the following:
- Making by me, as Minister of a disbursement scheme no later than 12 months after the “appointed day” relating to programmes or projects for which moneys may be disbursed;
- The scheme (or any subsequent amendment to it) must be prepared by me having consulted with the Minister for Health, the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Social Protection. I may also consult with other Ministers or persons;
- I must have regard to the policies and priorities of Government, the amount of moneys available or likely to be available, and the need to ensure value for money in setting out a scheme;
- The scheme must apply for a maximum period of 3 years, set out the objectives to be achieved by making disbursements and contain any other information considered appropriate by me;
- I may, from time to time, but must within three years of making a scheme and every three years thereafter, review a scheme or any part of a scheme;
- A scheme or an amendment to a scheme must be approved by Government;
- A scheme, including an amendment to a scheme, must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, and the Oireachtas allowed 21 days to consider it.
The legislation also provides for the preparations of an action plan each year following the making of a scheme. The plan, which will also be subject to consultation, must indicate the programmes or types of projects that may apply for disbursement and the maximum funds available. Different amounts may be specified in the plan in relation to a particular class or classes of programme or project. Once the plan is adopted, a copy must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, where it may be considered within a 21 day period. The plan must also be published. Provision is made, in addition, for adopting or not adopting a plan and for not proceeding to invite applications under a plan, if appropriate in particular circumstances. Any decision not to proceed must be approved by Government.
