Austin Currie
Question:62 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the way in which Ireland will mark the Year of the Volunteer; and the action that will be taken by his Department in this regard. [29690/00]
Written Answers. - Year of the Volunteer.
The United Nations has designated the year 2001 as International Year of the Volunteer, 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 Programme for Prosperity and Fairness provides that a national committee on volunteering be established to devise strategies and actions for supporting and developing volunteering. This committee, under the chairmanship of Deputy Chris Flood, was launched on 5 December 2000 and its first meeting was held this week on Monday, 11 December. Membership of the committee is drawn from relevant Depart ments, including my Department, universities with related research or training roles, business and industry, foundations, leading NGOs and community and voluntary groups together with some individuals in their personal capacity.
This committee's primary function will be to agree a broad strategy for IYV 2001. I am also asking the committee to 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 to promote, sustain and develop volunteering.
A budget of £1 million has been allocated by my Department to the workings of the committee. The committee secretariat will operate under the aegis of the Comhairle board and the committee's work will take account of the importance of proactively fostering a culture of support for volunteering.
Question No. 63 taken with Question No. 58.