Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Hogan, back to the House. I apologise for not being present to hear his opening remarks; I had to attend a function. He is one of the few Ministers who attends this House regularly to address concerns relating to his Department. I commend him again on doing so.

My party welcomes and supports this legislation. As has been outlined by a number of colleagues, the dormant accounts funding is ring-fenced for three specific areas, namely, economic and social disadvantage, educational disadvantage and for persons with a disability. Benefits pertain to respite care; the enhancement of play and recreational facilities for children and young people to make them accessible to people with disabilities; youth and community facilities in disadvantaged areas; facilities for the homeless; action to combat isolation; day care centres; programmes that help educate people about substance misuse; suicide prevention; enhanced facilities for those living in RAPID and CLÁR areas and local drugs task force areas; empowerment and promotion of equality for those with a disability; increased transport access and integrated mobility; and independent living and appropriate additional or enhanced services for those under this heading. In the area of arts, sport and science, there have been pre-school educational initiatives, literacy and numeracy initiatives, and intercultural and language programmes. This is just a brief outline of some of the excellent benefits of dormant accounts funding.

What role will Pobal have in the new arrangements the Minister is putting in place? Senator Keane has already asked that question. How much money is in the dormant accounts fund at present? I understand that, to qualify for inclusion in the fund, an account must be dormant for 15 years, and that, in April of each year, the relevant bank must notify the Department of that account. What independent verification is there of information given to the Minister by the banks? What plans has the Minister to spend the money in the fund? Over what period will it be spent?

I understand the application process is ongoing and that there is no particular deadline. I very much welcome that because good projects come to light at various times of the year. To impose a deadline on them would be unfair.

With regard to economic, social and educational disadvantage, I would like to see bigger grants available for capital projects throughout the country. Various grants have been given to organisations throughout the country and they have been put to good use. However, bearing in mind that money is scarce, if we are to consider capital projects that will provide facilities for the socially disadvantaged, in particular youth organisations, then 50% of the funding should come from the dormant account funds and the other 50% should come from private investment. There is an appetite among communities for such a grant and perhaps a ceiling of €250,000 or €350,000 could be put on the allocation from the dormant accounts fund. I am keen to see the Minister's plans in this regard and to ascertain the total amount of money in the fund at present. Given the history of our banks, what independent verification is available or will be available from the Department to ensure the banks are telling the Minister the truth? Again, I welcome the Minister and we are pleased to support the legislation.