Michael Ring
Question:297 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when the Green Paper supporting voluntary activity will be published. [6632/99]
Written Answers. - Green Paper on Voluntary Activity.
The Green Paper on Voluntary Activity was published in 1997, with a view to initiating a consultation process with the voluntary and community sector leading to publication of a White Paper.
A steering group has been brought together to advise and assist the Department on a consultation process in relation to the White Paper and to advise on issues and directions for the White Paper.
The group's terms of reference are to advise on the consultation process with the voluntary and community sector and with relevant statutory agencies in relation to the White Paper; participate in same i.e. provide speakers as appropriate; mediate and comment on feedback and advise on issues and directions for the White Paper.
My intention was that the White Paper be published before the end of 1998. However, at the steering group meeting on 28 May 1998 members of the group expressed concern that this might be too tight a timeframe to allow for adequate consultation with the voluntary and community sector and asked that this timeframe be extended for some three months or so, so as to ensure that time is available for the widest range of voluntary and community groups to be involved in discussions and debate about the forthcoming White Paper. As my primary concern in the preparation of the White Paper is to ensure that it reflects the issues that are of real importance to the sector and that there is genuine consultation in this regard, I have agreed to this request.
The consultation process with the voluntary and community sector provided for a three phased approach. The first phase provided for information seminars and invited submissions from interested parties. The second phase involved a series of joint regional workshops for the voluntary and community groups and the statutory agencies. The final phase will provide for a national seminar to which people, who have been involved in the initial phases, will be invited to discuss the issues addressed by the steering group in its discussion papers.
The first and second phases of the consultation process have now been completed. In this context, 72 submissions were received by my Department and 53 regional seminars have taken place in different locations around the country. The final phase is now being planned. The steering group is currently developing a number of discussion papers reflecting the issues which have been raised in the first two phases of the consultation process. The national seminar which will be held shortly, will provide the opportunity for people who have been involved in the initial phases to discuss the issues addresssed by the steering group in its papers. Following completion of the consultation process with the voluntary and community sector it is envisaged that the White Paper will be published before the end of the summer 1999.