I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 89 and 101 together.
Considerable progress has been achieved regarding the implementation of recommendations in the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and for Developing the Relationship between the State and the Community and Voluntary Sector.
Core funding recommendations in the White Paper are being addressed. For example, in September 2003 I announced some €7.3 million in funding to 56 organisations in the community and voluntary sector over a three year period under schemes to support the role of federations, networks and umbrella bodies and to provide training and supports to the sector; funding of €1.43 million per annum is being channelled to the anti-poverty networks; and funding of some €1.28 million per annum is being provided for the continuing development of the highly successful community and voluntary fora, established as an important element of the local government reform process.
In the matter of policy recommendations arising from the White Paper a consultation paper on one of its most important recommendations entitled Establishing a Modern Statutory Framework for Charities was posted on my Department's website on 17 December last. In early February I formally launched a public consultation on the issue and a notice inviting submissions was placed in the national newspapers. The public consultation will inform the development of the forthcoming legislation in this area. In recent weeks I was pleased to publish the external report on the public consultation.
Deputies will also be aware that an implementation and advisory group comprising representatives from the voluntary and statutory sectors was established to monitor and advise on the implementation of the White Paper. Substantive matters considered to date by the IAG include the multiplicity of funding sources through which the sector must operate, the designation of voluntary activity units in relevant Government Departments, accreditation of training in the sector, support for volunteering and the establishment of good practice standards in both the community and voluntary sector and the statutory sector.
The White Paper indicated that a review of the IAG should take place after a three year period. Work on this review is continuing in my Department.