Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2005
264 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that all dormant accounts applicants will have equal access to a consistent, fair and equitable appeals process and that, in line with natural justice, the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board will not adjudicate on appeals of their own decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6658/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, decisions on the disbursement of dormant accounts funds are a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board which was established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. In November 2003 the board engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf which involves the disbursement of €60 million from the fund.
At this juncture, €42 million has been committed by the board and it is anticipated that the balance of €18 million will be allocated shortly. Against this background and in the context of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 before the Oireachtas, it is not proposed to intervene at this juncture in existing arrangements of the dormant accounts board relating to disbursement decisions.
