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Tuesday, 22 Jun 2021

Written Answers Nos. 657-665

Dormant Accounts Fund

Questions (657)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

657. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the length of time funds are held in the dormant accounts fund before they can be used; and the amount in the reserve fund to date. [32941/21]

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Written answers

In line with the provisions of the Dormant Accounts Fund legislation an account is considered dormant if there has been no customer initiated transactions for a period of 15 years. The National Treasury Management Agency is responsible for management of the fund, and it sets aside a “reserve fund” for likely future reclaims by account holders or their heirs.

The closing balance in the Dormant Accounts Fund at the end of 2020 was €244 million. The annual transfer of funds from newly dormant accounts takes place in April of each year and, following the transfer this year, the total amount in the fund at the end of May 2021 was €291 million.

Of the €291 million within the fund at end May 2021, €182 million of this is held in the “disbursement fund” and is available for future use to fund measures addressing social, economic or educational disadvantage, or assisting persons with a disability. €109 million is held in the reserve fund, which is set aside for future possible reclaims by account holders or their heirs.

The 2021 Action Plan approved measures worth €51 million. The vast majority of this will be disbursed in 2021 and that will reduce the amount within the disbursement fund by an equivalent amount.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Questions (658)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

658. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount within the dormant accounts fund; the amount transferred to the fund in each year since 2011; the annual expenditure from the fund each year since 2011; the share of expenditure related to each Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32977/21]

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Written answers

The closing balance in the Dormant Accounts Fund at the end of 2020 was €244 million. The annual transfer of funds from newly dormant accounts takes place in April of each year. Following the transfer this year, the total in the fund at the end of May 2021 was €291 million.

Of the €291 million within the fund at end May 2021, €182 million of this is held in the “disbursement fund” and is available for future use to fund measures addressing social, economic or educational disadvantage, or assisting persons with a disability. €109 million is held in the “reserve fund”, which is set aside for likely future reclaims by account holders or their heirs.

With regard to the amount transferred to the fund and the annual expenditure from the fund each year since 2011, table 1 provides this information. This table also details the amounts reclaimed by account holders, or their heirs, each year, which also impacts on the value of the fund.

With regard to the share of expenditure related to each Department, under the Dormant Accounts 2012 Act the relevant Government Department is responsible for producing an annual report on the disbursement of funds. The first such report was in 2014. The Department of Rural and Community Development assumed responsibility for this area in July 2017, and prior to this it was the responsibility of a number of other Government Departments to produce these annual reports. Each of the reports, which detail spend across measures and Departments, are available here https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/769773-dormant-accounts-fund-annual-action-plans-and-reports/?fbclid=IwAR2zYcvZJaABTXbhiexeda9b3vZbimARLOFdEgN2VOVgJcXzZu1WCHtDPyM .

For ease of reference, Table 2 outlines a summary of expenditure by relevant Government Department since 2014, taking account of different Departmental configurations insofar as is possible.

The information provided demonstrates the progress that has been made in recent years in terms of increasing the use of the Dormant Accounts Fund, both in terms of the number of Government Departments involved, and the total money being disbursed from the fund. This money is being utilised across Ireland to deliver measures that address economic, social and educational disadvantage, and supports persons with disabilities.

Table 1

Table 2

Dormant Accounts Fund

Questions (659)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

659. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps that will be taken to identify potential additional dormant assets and incorporate them within the dormant accounts fund since the review published in December 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32978/21]

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Written answers

A review to identify potential additional dormant assets was undertaken by Deloitte in 2019. This review was published by my Department in early 2020, and is available here: 

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/78579/2822a277-103d-4410-8896-87b92ba5a02a.pdf#page=1

The review identified four possible additional dormant assets that warranted further consideration in terms of potentially utilising them in the future. Deloitte identified significant complexities with regard to technical, practical and legislative issues in utilising such assets.

To date the priority with regard to the Dormant Accounts Fund has been to improve its operation and the level of funding being utilised, in line with the findings of a review by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/Find-Report/Publications/2017/Chapter7-Dormant-Accounts-Fund.pdf

which was published in 2017. This has seen a steady increase in the funds being disbursed each year. Last year also saw a focus on delivering an additional €50 million in Covid-19 supports which were supported by the fund.

Further consideration of the potential additional dormant assets will involve working with both the Department of Finance and the Department of Justice. Initial contact has been made in this regard with these Departments and I hope to further explore the potential use of these dormant assets over the coming months.

Departmental Programmes

Questions (660)

David Cullinane

Question:

660. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated full year cost if the budget for the social inclusion and community active programme increased by 5%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33123/21]

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Written answers

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018 – 2022 aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration. 

SICAP is managed at a local level by 33 Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with support from local authorities; and the programme is then delivered on the ground by Local Development Companies (LDCs).

The funding made available for SICAP for 2021 is €39,168,430.  An additional 5% funding would see the  the allocation increase to €41,126,851.

Greenways Provision

Questions (661)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

661. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 2582 of 21 April 2021, if Louth County Council has submitted the revised scope for the Mell Greenway works; the status of the project that was approved €200,000 in early 2020 through the outdoor recreation scheme and is yet to be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33179/21]

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Written answers

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for maintenance and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural Ireland.

Louth County Council were approved for funding of €200,000 under the 2019 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the development and enhancement of the Boyne Greenway.  I understand that this is the project referred to by the Deputy.  To date, no funding has been drawn down on the approved project.

As advised previously, Louth County Council has requested permission to revise the scope of the approved works and specific information in this regard was received on 16th April.

This information was not sufficient to facilitate an assessment of the request to change the approved project and further details were sought. This detail was provided as part of a revised application from Louth County Council on 17th June and this information is now being considered by officials from my Department.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (662)

Denis Naughten

Question:

662. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of local improvement schemes that are presently on the waiting list in each local authority; the value of such projects; the number of projects completed in each local authority in each year since 2016; the value of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33242/21]

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Written answers

The focus of the Local Improvement Scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.

There was no funding for the Local Improvement Scheme for a number of years until it was relaunched in 2017. Since then, over €68 million  has been allocated to deliver the scheme on over 2,400 roads. The Scheme has benefited over 10,000 residents and landowners. I have indicated previously that I am actively exploring the potential to allocate further funding for the Local Improvement Scheme later this year, resources permitting.

My Department is not in a position to state the number of eligible LIS roads currently on waiting lists in Local Authorities. My Department does not collect such information on an ongoing basis as it is a matter for each Local Authority to prioritise and select roads for inclusion in the Scheme in any given year, subject to overall policy guidance and funding from my Department. My Department has previously requested an indication of the number of road applications with Local Authorities. However, further engagement with the Local Authorities would be required to arrive at a definitive position and it is likely that the position is quite fluid from year to year. 

Finally, as requested by the Deputy, I have set out in the following table a breakdown, by county, of the number of roads completed in each year and the total funding provided for these roads. This refers to the funding provided from 2017-2020; it does not incorporate the €10.5 million provided in 2021 as this is currently being delivered at Local Authority level. 

Number of LIS Roads Upgraded 2017-2020 Amt. of Funding

 

2017

2018

2019

2020

TOTAL

          (€m)

Carlow 

20

28

14

15

77

       €1.469

Cavan 

10

12

4

4

30

       €1.510

Clare 

28

30

12

12

82

       €2.867

Cork 

21

62

20

18

121

       €4.652

Donegal 

164

107

35

35

341

       €6.531

Galway 

57

69

36

30

192

       €5.025

Kerry 

41

61

21

10

133

       €3.545

Kildare

0

12

8

4

24

       €0.830

Kilkenny 

16

16

9

6

47

       €1.863

Laois 

20

15

7

7

49

       €1.881

Leitrim 

18

24

11

10

63

       €1.538

Limerick 

17

22

13

8

60

       €1.997

Longford 

17

25

15

10

67

       €1.275

Louth 

8

6

6

8

28

      €1.000

Mayo 

86

144

74

53

357

       €4.673

Meath 

22

21

12

5

60

       €1.900

Monaghan   

21

28

14

9

72

       €1.407

Offaly 

20

31

9

14

74

      €1.879

Roscommon 

41

91

21

27

180

      €1.952

Sligo 

16

22

7

6

51

       €1.615

Tipperary 

9

32

21

20

82

       €2.241

Waterford 

17

20

3

5

45

       €1.843

Westmeath 

23

22

12

12

69

       €1.636

Wexford 

18

17

11

13

59

       €1.666

Wicklow 

7

15

10

6

38

       €1.543

TOTAL 

717

932

405

347

2,401

     €58.340

State Bodies

Questions (663)

Noel Grealish

Question:

663. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of her Department or that receive funding from her Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33319/21]

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Written answers

In respect of the Charities Regulator and Water Safety Ireland neither organisation incurred any interest charges for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced.

Details are outlined below on bodies under the responsibility of my Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced:

Western Development Commission

WDC has incurred €61,711.85 since the inception of negative interest rates on accounts in 2018; this includes bank accounts held by the Western Investment Fund. The summary breakdown per annum is included below:

Summary Negative Interest Rates to June 2021

2018

2019

2020

2021

Total

€11,552.21

€8,709.87

€16,618.94

€24,830.83

€61,711.85

Pobal

The table below identifies the interest costs charged to Pobal since negative interest started being applied from February 2017 and notes on the figures. 

These are full year costs to the end of 2020.

Year

2017

2018

2019

2020

Interest Charged

102,576.78

161,262.80

132,312.04

201,792.30

 Note:

- Negative Interest started being charged to Pobal from March 2017 relating to the month of February 2017, i.e. a month in arrears at a rate of -0.40%.

- Negative interest incurred increased from 2017 to 2018.  This is because there was a full year charged in 2018. Also, some programmes had expanded in 2018 resulting in more funds being on hand (RSS, AIM and ECCE).

- It reduced in 2019 as a result of holding less funds on hand and measures undertaken by Pobal to reduce the level of negative interest charged.

- It increased in 2020 due to Departments frontloading of funds when the Covid-19 pandemic started. 

- In 2020 the negative interest charge was increased to -0.65%.

Departmental Programmes

Questions (664)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

664. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that is available to fund a playground at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33507/21]

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Written answers

The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different Measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas  that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.  The Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities Measure (Measure 2)  of the  CLÁR 2021 programme includes provision for funding for playgrounds and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs). However, the area referred to by the Deputy is not in a designated CLÁR area and is not eligible to apply for this funding.  

Funding may be available through the LEADER Transitional Programme. This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, came into effect on the 1  April 2021 for new project applications.  The programme will be delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country.  

Funding is provided under a broad range of themes, including enterprise development and social inclusion.  In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.  

The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in each LEADER area.  Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. 

The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department's website.

Departmental Staff

Questions (665)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

665. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of workers employed by her Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of her Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33596/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that all workers employed by my Department are Civil Servants on Civil Service pay scales.  The living wage at €12.30 per hour, based on the Civil Service 37 hour standard net working week, equates to an annual salary of €23,747.  There are no staff employed in my Department earning less than the living wage.

There are 4 agencies under the aegis of my Department:  the Charities Regulatory Authority, Pobal, Water Safety Ireland, and the Western Development Commission.  While employment issues for the agencies are a matter for those agencies themselves as independent entities, I can confirm that none of the agencies employ any staff earning less than the living wage.

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