Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - White Paper on Voluntary Activity.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

24 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the preparations, if any, for the production of the White Paper on relations between the community and voluntary sectors and the State sector; and if it will be published in April 2000. [6161/00]

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

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.

I have been conscious of the need to have extensive consultation so that the White Paper properly and adequately reflects the issues that are of real importance to the sector and that there is genuine consultation in this regard. 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 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. A total of 81 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. My Department, in consultation with the steering group, is currently drafting a number of discussion papers reflecting the issues which have been raised in the first two phases of the consultation process. These papers will be presented at the national seminar which will be held on 30 March this year at the Grand Hotel, Malahide. The national seminar 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, and in line with the commitment expressed in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, it is envisaged that the White Paper will be published in April this year.