Jack Wall
Question:94 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when the promised White Paper on the community and voluntary sector will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10519/00]
Written Answers. - Community and Voluntary Sector.
I have been very conscious of the need to have extensive consultation so that the forthcoming 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 provided for a national seminar to which people were invited to discuss the issues addressed by the steering group in their discussion papers.
The consultation process culminated at a national seminar which was held on 30 March 2000. The national seminar provided the opportunity for people who were involved in the initial phases to respond to the issues addressed in four discussion papers presented on behalf of the relevant Departments involved in the process. My Department is currently revising the discussion papers to take account of observations made by delegates at the seminar and written submissions received from individuals/groups following the seminar. When this is complete, I will finalise my proposals for submission to Government with a view to publishing the White Paper at an early date.