Written Answers. - Breakdown of Conference Costs.
Eric J. Byrne
Question:
42
Mr. Byrne
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
if, in regard to the conference on the role of voluntary organisations in the delivery of social services held in Galway in June 1990, he will break down the overall cost of £140,000 to his Department in respect of (a) accommodation, (b) food and drink, (c) travel and (d) other; if he will outline the EC contribution to the costs of the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In June 1990, I hosted a major conference on the role of voluntary organisations in the delivery of social services and in tackling poverty and disadvantage. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the civil servants of my Department who organised this conference and conducted it in every respect to the highest standards.
This conference was held at the request of the European Commission during Ireland's Presidency of the European Community. The conference held in Galway was part of the third EC Poverty Programme under which Ireland receives £2 million from EC funds.
Among our EC partners, we in Ireland, are recognised as having an exceptionally high level of voluntary service. We are generally regarded by other member states as being unique in the extent, commitment and calibre of the organisations which work with the disadvantaged. It was for this reason that we were requested by the European Commission to host this conference of some 150 experts from all over Europe.
The conference was attended by representatives of voluntary and statutory organisations from the various member states as well as representatives of the European Commission, the Council of Europe and a number of other organisations representing voluntary and State agencies.
In the context of the conference, I announced plans to draw up a charter for voluntary and social service activity in Ireland. This charter will set out a clear framework for partnership between Government and voluntary organisations. It will also identify how the State can encourage, foster and support voluntary organisations in the social services area.
This issue has since been further progressed in the context of theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress and the Government are committed to producing a White Paper outlining their proposals in this area.
The costs of the conference met by my Department under the headings set out by the Deputy cannot be specified because the European Commission contributed about £77,000 towards the overall costs involved. Over half of the cost involved, however, related to organising the conference itself, including printing costs and the provision of interpretation facilities. In addition, the air and other travel costs of all delegates attending the conference were also met as is normal in such EC conferences.
