Vol. 569 No. 4
118 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the funding of ?165 million which will become available to his Department from the Dormant Accounts Disbursement Board will be ring-fenced for disadvantaged communities and in particular for the provision of services for communities which have suffered most as a result of economic and social deprivation. [217851/03]
The Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board is an independent statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The remit of the board is to prepare a plan for the disbursement of moneys from the Dormant Accounts Fund for the purposes of programmes or projects that are designed to assist the personal, educational and social development of persons who are economically, educationally or socially disadvantaged or persons with a disability. The Deputy will appreciate that while this is a broad remit, it is clear that, in effect, the moneys must be directed at projects to help disadvantaged persons and communities, as well as those with a disability.
I understand that the disbursement plan is currently under preparation by the board and will be submitted for ministerial approval shortly. The board will publish the plan as soon as it receives approval. Decisions on disbursements from the fund will be made by the board as provided for under the legislation.
