Written Answers. - Voluntary Sector Initiatives.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:
49
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs
if, regarding his address to the Cross-Border Conference on Volunteering on 26 November 2001, he plans additional initiatives to encourage a greater degree of engagement by individuals with the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[31598/01]
The United Nations proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, known as IYV 2001, with the objective of promoting and enhancing recognition of volunteer service.
The Tipping the Balance conference on volunteering which took place in County Cavan on 26 and 27 November 2001 was one of the major initiatives of the year and was organised jointly with the authorities in Northern Ireland.
On 21 November 2000 as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, I established the National Committee on Volunteering, under the chairmanship of Deputy Chris Flood.
The key functions of the committee are to develop awareness of the role which volunteers play in Irish society; to provide support for voluntary and community organisations at local and national level in highlighting and celebrating the role of volunteers in their organisations; to provide a national focus for volunteering in the context of IYV 2001; and to oversee the management of IYV 2001.
The committee has a broad based membership of 38 with representatives drawn from leading NGOs, foundations, community and voluntary groups, universities with related research or training roles, business and industry, and relevant Departments. The committee, which is supported by a small full-time secretariat, will be in place for a period of two years after which time its membership and future role will be reviewed.
In the coming year the national committee will continue to examine issues related to volunteering including: the possibilities for recognition and accreditation for voluntary work and for training undertaken as a volunteer; measures to widen the pool of volunteers; and the range of supports needed in order to promote, sustain and develop volunteering.
The committee will report to Government by the end of 2002 and any recommendations they may make will be considered at that stage.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 29.
