Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Government White Paper.

Mary Upton

Question:

345 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in line with the Government White Paper, Supporting Voluntary Activity, he has appointed a voluntary activity unit responsible for his Department's co-operation with voluntary and community organisations; if so, the unit's personnel, activities and work to date; if not, the reason therefor; and the personnel in his Department responsible for co-operation with voluntary and community organisations. [16733/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

The Government White Paper supporting voluntary activity highlighted that my Department had provided funding of £28 million to voluntary and community organisations in 1999. This was all paid under the auspices of the LEADER programme. The White Paper also referred to my Department's funding for investment in community based enterprises through the Western Development Commission. Both of these programmes were administered by the Department's then rural development division.

The White Paper recommended the establishment of a voluntary activity unit in Departments which had significant contact with the voluntary and community sector.

As part of the recent reorganisation of Departments undertaken by the Government the rural development division, its functions and staff were transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs leaving my Department with minimal contact with the community and voluntary sector and therefore no voluntary activity unit has been established in this Department.

Co-ordination on matters arising out of the White Paper is handled by the staff of the Department's management services division.