Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 7

Written Answers. - Green Paper on Voluntary Activity.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

26 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of submissions he has received on the Green Paper on the Community and Voluntary Sector; when he will publish a White Paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14592/99]

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

As indicated in my reply to Question No. 73 of 21 April 1999, 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 members of the group have been selected on an individual basis to give of their individual expertise and experience in advising the Department.

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; and mediate and comment on feedback and advise on issues and directions for the White Paper.

It was the intention to publish the White Paper before the end of 1998. However, the steering group expressed concern that the timeframe would not allow for adequate consultation with the voluntary and community sector. They asked that this timeframe be extended so as to ensure that time was 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 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 their discussion papers.

The first and second phases of the consultation process have now been completed. In this context, 78 submissions were received by my Department and 56 regional seminars have taken place in different locations around the country. The final phase is now being planned. The steering group are 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 addressed by the steering group in their papers. Following completion of the consultation process with the voluntary and community sector, it is envisaged that the White Paper will be published later this year.