Eamon Gilmore
Question:27 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when the White Paper on voluntary and community action will be published. [6298/98]
Written Answers - On Voluntary Sector White Paper
In May 1997 my predecessor published a Green Paper entitled Supporting Voluntary Activity, a Green Paper on the Community and Voluntary Sector and its relationship with the State, with the intention of moving towards the publication of a White Paper, following a consultation process with the voluntary and community sectors within 12 months.
This was followed shortly after by the change of Government. At this stage, I am concerned that publication of a White Paper in the summer would allow too little time for the necessary consultation and debate about the Green Paper that needs to come first. Accordingly, as I have already announced, I have decided to push that timeframe back and I hope to be in a position to publish the White Paper by the end of this year.