Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
87 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings of the implementation and advisory group that have been held since June 2002; and the programme of work that this group has followed. [33283/04]
View answerThe implementation and advisory group, IAG, first met on 20 July 2001 and has met 32 times in total since it was established. Some 21 of those meetings have taken place since June 2002.
Issues arising from the implementation of the main recommendations in the White Paper on voluntary activity, to which the IAG has provided significant input, include the funding scheme to support the role of federations, networks and umbrella bodies — funding currently stands at €1.83 million per annum over three years to 33 projects; the funding scheme for training and supports in the community and voluntary sector — funding was €670,000 in year one and stands at €580,000 for years two and three to 23 projects; funding for anti-poverty networks provided under the White Paper was transferred to my Department from the Combat Poverty Agency earlier this year and currently stands at €1,430,650 for ten networks; preparation of a manual of best practice principles for the sector, which is being brought forward by the Combat Poverty Agency on behalf of the IAG and should be completed early next year; and in relation to volunteering, production of a report making a number of practical recommendations as to how issues in Tipping the Balance might be progressed. The White Paper indicated that a review of the IAG should take place after three years. That review process is under way.
