Since its establishment in April 2003 to the end of March 2014, the transfers to the Dormant Accounts Fund have totalled some €729.76m. Funds reclaimed in that period by account holders amounted to around €281.02m, with just over €252m disbursed on projects designed to benefit the community over the same period. The net value of uncommitted funds in the account stands at approximately €1 04.86 m. Further details on funding are provided in the community section of my Department’s website at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Community/DormantAccounts/.
The Dormant Accounts Disbursement Scheme for 2013-2016 was approved by Government in December 2013 and sets out the objectives to be achieved by making disbursements from the fund. The 2012 Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act also provides for the preparation of an action plan to give effect to the disbursement scheme. My Department has been consulting with relevant Government Departments and Pobal in this regard with a view to the Action Plan being completed by end June 2014. Once the Plan is adopted, it will be possible to commence implementation of measures under the Plan. I have allocated €5.456 million for Dormant Accounts Measures under my Department in 2014, which includes €2 million to be used to support labour force activation measures in local authorities and the implementation of a modest action plan.