Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 5

Written Answers. - International Year of Volunteers.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

141 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his Department has responsibility for administering at national level the United Nations Programme for the International Year of Volunteers; the structures that have been put in place to provide for this programme which commences on 5 December, 2000; the size of the budget that is being provided; if a director to run the programme on behalf of the Government has been appointed; if consultations have commenced with the extensive voluntary sector throughout the country to ensure a successful programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17691/00]

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

The General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers known as IYV 2001. The year is designed to enhance recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of volunteer service. The intended outcomes of the year are that more needs be identified with which volunteers can help; that more people everywhere offer their services as volunteers; and that volunteer programmes receive increased resources and facilities, to help them assign those new volunteers to tackling the needs.

In such a year all can gain. Individuals can find a renewed sense of purpose. Volunteer groups can be reinvigorated. Governments and the non-profit and private sectors can enter into fresh partnerships to make for greater participation, alleviate problems and promote good governance.

The UN year of the volunteer will provide a focus for activity to support volunteering. The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness provides that a national committee on volunteering will be established, with participation from relevant interests, which will devise strategies and actions for supporting and developing volunteering. The committee will devise strategies and actions for supporting and developing volunteering, not just during the international year, but for the longer term.

I will shortly be bringing proposals to Government regarding the setting up of this committee and issues of structures and appropriate budget will be examined as part of this process. I know that various organisations involved in volunteering have already met to discuss how to make the most of IYV 2001. A number of organisations have already made submissions to my Depart ment in relation to IYV 2001. All of these submissions will be made available to the national committee on volunteering to assist them in their work.