Jim Higgins
Question:103 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Welfare the measures, if any, to be taken to commemorate 1994 as the United Nations Year of the Family; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - UN Year of the Family.
The Government fully recognises the strong tradition of support and respect for the family in Ireland and the importance of the family in our national life. In designating 1994 as the International Year of the Family, the United Nations have strongly encouraged the active participation of Non-Governmental Organisations in celebrating the Year and have indicated that their efforts should be supported at State level by way of financial and technical assistance.
Accordingly, the Government has decided that the Steering Committee representing voluntary family organisations, which was established in 1992 to undertake preparations for the year, should retain its existing status of representing the non-governmental sector and should be allocated a grant-in-aid to assist them in their preparations for the year. An allocation of £400,000 was made to the Steering Committee at the official launch of the International Year in Ireland on 14 February last. The Steering Committe is now in the process of setting up its own office and secretariat and will be assisting family organisations in celebrating the year.
In addition to its commitment to the work of the Steering Committee, the Government has established an InterDepartmental Committee to prepare its own programme for the year. That committee, which is under the aegis of my Department, and representing all the relevant Government Departments dealing with the family, will work closely with the Steering Committee in relation to overall co-ordination of events to mark the year.