Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 4

Written Answers - International Year of Volunteers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

130 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he proposes to mark the international year of the volunteer; and the number of applications for leave from staff members which have been granted in connection with this initiative. [12987/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The UN International Year of Volunteers was established to recognise voluntary activity and to promote volunteer service as an important contribution to community development. Particular emphasis was placed on voluntary activity at local level. A national committee has been established under the aegis of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and is working to promote the year in Ireland. My Department is represented on the committee.

The Agency for Personal Services Overseas is the national body that promotes voluntary international service and will, in the course of this year, support over 1,000 people working in developing countries with Irish non-governmental organisations, international NGOs, international bodies such as the UN and with the governments and communities of the developing countries themselves. In addition, APSO promotes the involvement of volunteers in emergency response situations and specifically recruits and trains volunteers for this purpose. Given the local emphasis on International Year of Volunteers activities APSO is participating in local IYV activities in the developing countries in which it works.

To date no applications for leave have been received from staff members in my Department in connection with this initiative.