Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2017
538. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development why his Department spent less than half of the amount provided for in Vote Estimates from the Dormant Accounts Fund in the 2012 to 2016 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43624/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe programmes and projects funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund are implemented through a number of Government Departments. It is a matter for the Accounting Officers of the relevant Departments to comment on underspends which occurred on programmes or projects which came under their Departments' remit over the period 2012-2016.
Statutory responsibility for the Dormant Accounts Fund, along with certain measures administered by the former Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, were transferred to my Department on 27th July 2017.
I will be seeking to ensure that any measures operated by my own Department which are supported by the Dormant Accounts Fund are run as effectively as possible and that the funding provided is fully utilised.
