Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - Ministerial Appointments.

Nora Owen

Question:

320 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has appointed a chairman to the national volunteering committee; if so, the name of this person and, if not, when he proposes to make this appointment as no steering committee can commence until this appointment is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25562/00]

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 and 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.

The national committee on volunteering is currently in the process of being established and an announcement regarding its composition, to include the name of the chairperson, will be made shortly.

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 the 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 – IYV. 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 the development of social capital and encouragement of voluntarism.