Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 5

Written Answers. - White Paper on Voluntary Sector.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

185 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs whether the work of environmental non-governmental organisations will be acknowledged in the forthcoming White Paper on the voluntary and community sector having regard to the fact that the physical environment is a key indicator of the degree of poverty or wealth being experienced by an individual or community; whether he has requested the Combat Poverty Agency to consult the environmental non-governmental organisations in its study on consultation between the voluntary sector and the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The primary focus in the White Paper will be on voluntary and community organisations engaged in anti-poverty and social service work, rather than on the full range of non-governmental organisations in areas such as the arts, sport, heritage and the environment. However, the issues discussed and principles to be established in the White Paper will also have relevance to other sectors.

The Deputy also refers to the research study being carried out by the Combat Poverty Agency on models of consultation and on-going participation between the statutory sector and the community and voluntary sector. The agency is commissioning this study to inform the implementation of the national anti-poverty strategy and the consultation process of the White Paper on the voluntary and community sector. The arrangements for the consultancy are a matter for the Combat Poverty Agency and I have not made any request regarding these arrangements.