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Dormant Accounts Fund.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (23)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

82 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to legislation concerning the dormant accounts fund; when he expects the legislation to proceed through Dáil Éireann; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new legislation leaves allocations from the fund open to political abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27971/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published in June 2004, fulfilling a commitment given by Government in December last, following its review of arrangements relating to dormant accounts funding. At that time, the Government committed itself to maintaining an open, transparent and accountable process for dealing with applications for dormant accounts funding. These commitments have been honoured in the Bill in the following ways: the objectives of the disbursements scheme will remain unchanged; disbursements will continue to be within the framework of objectives and priorities set out in the dormant accounts disbursements plan; application processes for dormant accounts funding will be transparent and publicised; decisions on disbursements will be made and publicised by Government; appropriate arrangements will be put in place so that the spend from the dormant accounts fund is separate and additional; and the future role of the board will focus on preparation of the disbursements plan, reviewing progress in achieving objectives and assessing the additionality and impact of spend. The Bill has completed Second and Committee Stages in the Seanad and the draft legislation will continue its passage through the Oireachtas shortly and be enacted in due course.

With regard to concerns raised, one of the main reasons the Government decided to review arrangements is to ensure that the focus of spending from the fund is consistent with policy priorities debated in this House and approved by Government. If we are serious about tackling disadvantage, we must ensure that available resources are targeted in a particularly focused and sustained manner. I am satisfied the draft legislation provides that decisions made by Government will be based on transparent assessment criteria and will not be influenced by other factors.

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