Report reveals €54.6 million allocated to address disadvantage across the country

THE RELEASE of the 2022 Dormant Accounts Fund Annual Report has shed light on the significant impact of the fund in addressing economic, social, and educational disadvantage across Ireland.

The Dormant Accounts Fund serves as a vital resource, providing funding to initiatives that strive to alleviate disadvantage and empower individuals with disabilities.

In 2022, a total of €54.6 million was allocated across 10 government departments to fund measures aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and communities.

The report highlights the implementation of 46 measures that encompass a wide range of areas, including programs for children and youths, prisoner rehabilitation, support for carers, aid for victims of crime, dementia care, homelessness, and marginalised groups such as the Traveller and Roma Community.

The report features three case studies that exemplify the positive impact of the Dormant Accounts Fund. 

The Works Jigsaw School Hub was allocated €20,000 to develop the Works Jigsaw School Hub, an interactive online platform that offers teachers and school staff easily accessible mental health resources. The platform, which saw over 13,000 users in 2022, has become a valuable tool in promoting mental health and well-being within schools.

The Dormant Accounts Fund provided €364,000 in funding to support initiatives at the Oberstown Campus in 2022. The focus of this support lies in career guidance and development through the STEPS+ program, which equips individuals with essential skills, training, and education to enhance their personal growth and future prospects.

The Cherry Orchard Equine Centre received €123,200 from the Department of Rural and Community Development in 2022 to address disadvantage. This funding ensures the financial sustainability of the Equine Centre, a vital community resource. It has also supported numerous events throughout the year, further contributing to its positive impact on the local community.

The report emphasises the commitment to assisting marginalised communities, such as the Traveller and Roma Community. Initiatives by various government departments, including the Department of Education and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, have aimed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by these communities.

The report also highlights the contribution of the Dormant Accounts Fund within individual government departments. Minister Heather Humphreys expressed her satisfaction with the allocation of €12.3 million within her department for measures such as the Senior Alerts Scheme, Social Enterprise, Targeted Social Inclusion Measures, and Library Supports.

She emphasised the increasing Dormant Account funding across government departments in recent years and its positive impact on disadvantaged individuals and communities across Ireland.

The comprehensive Dormant Account Fund Annual Report 2022 can be accessed here.