Vol. 555 No. 5
405 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the recommendations of the White Paper supporting voluntary activity are to be implemented in view of the work of the implementation and advisory group. [18853/02]
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 paper's recommendations. The group consists of six members from the community and voluntary sector and six from the statutory sector. The implementation and advisory group has met on 13 occasions since its establishment in July 2001. Much of the detailed work of the committee is carried out by sub-committees formed to examine specific issues and report to the main group. A detailed workplan had been devised by the group to assist in implementing the recommendations. The workplan covers a range of issues including funding matters, the development of training and supports in the sector, research to quantify the extent of the sector, and issues relating to reform of the law on charities and charitable fundraising. The White Paper provides for a formal review of the workings of the group after three years.
