Written Answers. - Advisory Group.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:
69
Mr. M. Higgins
asked the
Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs
the progress made to date by the Implementation and Advisory Group on the White Paper on the Community and Voluntary Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6604/02]
The White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and for Developing the Relationship between the State and the community and voluntary sector was published by the Government on 13 September 2000. The White Paper marked the start of the Government's long-term strategy to develop and support the community and voluntary sector. It sets out the rationale for developing the relationship between the State and the sector and the principles which should underpin this relationship.
A unique feature of the White Paper was the establishment of an implementation and advisory group to oversee the implementation of the White Paper's recommendations.
The group consists of six members from the voluntary and community sector and six from the statutory sector. A secretariat has been established within my Department to support the work of the group.
The implementation and advisory group commenced work in July 2001 and has met on seven occasions to date in plenary session. Much of the detailed work of the committee is carried out by sub-commmittees formed to examine specific issues and report to the main group. The main matters considered by the group to date are as follows: following on from the recommendations of the White Paper, funding has been made available in 2002 to provide additional support to voluntary and community organisations as follows: funding to national federations and representative bodies – an amount of €2,539,000 has been made available to provide support for national representative bodies in the community and voluntary sector. The scheme was advertised in November 2001 and applications are currently being assessed by the implementation and advisory group assessment committee.
Funding for training and supports in the community and voluntary sector: funding of €2,539,000 has been made available in 2002 to foster the availability of additional training and support services to the community and voluntary sector. This scheme will be advertised shortly.
Legal and regulatory framework: responsibility for charity regulatory matters and the office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests transferred to my Department in July 2001. The Government is committed to ensuring the introduction of comprehensive legislation on regulation of charities and charitable fundraising. In January 2002 consultants were appointed to assist in the process of reform which will include widespread public consultation.
Research programme: the White Paper provides €508,000 for a programme of research into the extent of community and voluntary activity in Ireland.
A sub-committee of the implementation and advisory group has been established to progress this research programme. Proposals are expected to be sought by advertisement in the coming months.
Multiplicity of funding sources: a sub-committee of the group to examine issues relating to the multiplicity of sources of State funding and to consider a funding manual for the sector has been established and began its work in February 2002.
Review: the White Paper provides for a formal review of the workings of the group after three years.
Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 49.
