Vol. 574 No. 1
515 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the actions he is taking to promote volunteerism among community groups; if his attention has been drawn to the huge potential in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26551/03]
I refer the Deputy to the replies to Question No. 532 of 7 October 2003 and Questions Nos. 105 and 155 of 21 October 2003.
My Department supports a range of structures and programmes that recognise the important role of volunteers in the area of community development. These include provision for the participation of community volunteers on the boards or other governance structures of partnerships, CDPs, Leader groups, and RAPID area implementation teams, and funding of measures to address, through voluntary activities, a range of challenges facing communities, including disadvantage and social exclusion.
The national committee on volunteering has reported on a range of volunteering issues, including ways in which volunteering can be recognised, encouraged and supported by the State. The report is extremely detailed and comprehensive. The process of examination and consideration of its recommendations is continuing in my Department.
