Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Community Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, says the Minister for the Environment is sitting on a €100 million fund that is used to combat economic disadvantage and called on the Minister to release this funding for very worthy causes.
The fund, which now stands at €100 million, comes in from financial institutions every year to help alleviate the problems of socio-economic deprivation, education disadvantage and disabilities.
Deputy Ó Cuív commented: “Minster Hogan is sitting on a fund of €100 million, which for some reason he won’t spend. The dormant account funds were specifically taken off financial institutions for the purpose of funding programmes to combat social and economic disadvantage as well as educational disadvantage and disability.
“Two important programmes funded under the Dormant Account Scheme were the provision of €100,000 grants to each RAPID Area in the most disadvantaged communities, which funded community activities. The other initiative was the flagship project programme, whereby community and philanthropic funds were matched by Dormant Account funds for the provision of social infrastructure and facilities for those with a disability.
“The Minister needs to reopen the Dormant Account Scheme without delay.”
