Dormant account cash given to disadvantaged

Disadvantaged communities across the country were tonight given €6m in unclaimed money in dormant accounts.

The funding, which was announced by the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, was targeted at disadvantaged areas and people with disabilities.

The money came from accounts in banks and building societies that were not touched by clients for 15 years, as well as unclaimed life assurance policies.

The Glen area in Cork will receive a new social worker at a cost of €67,000, while the Inishowen Women’s Information Network in Lifford, County Donegal will receive €100,000 to hire two workers.

A €66,000 tracking system for students who drop out of school will be developed in Fingal in Dublin and the Kerry Diocesan Youth Service will spend €32,000 on educating young mothers in Tralee.

There are other grants for new computers for schools, training courses for ex-prisoners and support workers for the travelling community.

Around €60m of the €195m Dormant Accounts Fund will be paid out this year.

The Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board used to have the responsibility for allocating the money, but this power was taken over by the Government in December.