Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Community Development.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

751 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the position in relation to the setting up of the national committee on volunteering; the support which is available for proposals from local and national voluntary groups; the role his Department has in creating an infrastructure to enable community and voluntary groups in the country to mark the International Year of Volunteers designated for 2001, in order to recognise the work of volunteers and encourage others to take up the challenge of volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24822/00]

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

The recently published White Paper on a framework for supporting voluntary activity and for developing the relationship between the State and the community and voluntary sector recognises the need to promote the active involvement of people in community and voluntary groups as an essential component of a democratic society. A range of concerns an interesting proposals regarding recognition and encouragement of volunteering have been put forward in the course of the White Paper consultation process.

These concerns and proposals will be examined by the National Committee on Volunteering as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. This committee, with participation from all the relevant interests and stakeholders, will devise strategies and actions for supporting and developing volunteering, not just during the international year, but for the longer term.

This committee is currently in the process of being established and nominations for its membership are due to be submitted to my Department by the end of this week. A budget of £1 million has been allocated to the workings of the committee and its work will take account of the importance of proactively fostering a culture of support for volunteering. It will also examine and make recommendations on the possibilities for recognition and accreditation for voluntary work and for training undertaken as a volunteer; measures to widen pool of volunteers; and the range of supports needed in order to promote, sustain and develop volunteering.

The United Nations has designated the year 2001 as International Year of the Volunteer. It is proposed that the initial function of the national committee be to agree a broad strategy for IYV 2001. The main objectives of the year are the recognition, promotion, facilitation and networking of volunteering contributions world-wide. The international year provides an opportunity to further raise the profile of volunteering in Ireland and progress the Government's policies with regard to development of social capital and encouragement of voluntarism. The international launch of International Year of Volunteers will take place on 5 December 2000.