Joe O'Brien - Green Party Joe O'Brien - Green Party

Minister Joe O’Brien Announces €54m in Funding to Support Disadvantaged Communities and Vulnerable Groups

9th November, 2022

  • 44 initiatives to be rolled out under Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2023
  • Projects to support disadvantaged communities, vulnerable groups, the elderly and people with disabilities
  • Big focus on providing sporting and educational opportunities to young people
  • Funding for Seniors Alert Scheme, Engagement in the LECP Process, and for Oberstown Detention Campus

Minister Joe O’Brien has launched the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2023 – a €54.5 million package aimed at disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups across the country.

The Action Plan sets out 44 initiatives across nine Government Departments, all of which are designed to support communities at a grassroots level.

From providing sporting and educational opportunities to our young people, to delivering projects for our elderly, disabled, marginalised and disadvantaged – the Action Plan aims to support those who need it most.

Funding for the Action Plan comes from unclaimed accounts in credit institutions (i.e. banks, building societies and An Post), as well as unclaimed life assurance policies in insurance undertakings.

Launching the Action Plan, Joe O’Brien said:

Minister O’Brien stated:

“The 2023 Action Plan provides funding of €54.5 million to help address disadvantage right across Ireland. The 44 measures approved for funding will help to address a diverse range of issues such as Traveller equality, youth disadvantage, migrant integration and probation supports to prevent re-offending.

“Dormant Accounts funding makes a real difference to individuals and communities right across the country. The 2023 Action Plan being published today will help ensure that we can continue to support those who need it most during these challenging times.

“In Fingal several of these funding streams will have a direct benefit for our most vulnerable. The Senior Alerts Scheme enables older persons of limited means to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence, and peace of mind by providing them with a free personal monitored alarm. Engagement in the Local Economic and Community Planning (LECP) Process will help marginalised communities to participate more in decision making process that impact them. Funding for Oberstown Detention Campus will provide career advice and training for those in the care of the Campus. These and other projects receiving funding will assist disadvantaged groups in our area.”

“I had written to all Ministers asking that they give specific consideration to measures that would support Travellers therefore I am particularly pleased to see that €3.8 million is allocated for Traveller initiatives and services across five departments”.