Catherine Murphy
Question:50. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an overseas civilian corps is due to be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36318/13]
View answerThursday, 18 July 2013
Questions (50)
Written answers
The Government's aid programme, which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a strong international reputation for quality and effectiveness and is sharply focused on tackling poverty and hunger, particularly in the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The aid programme has benefited from the contributions of generations of Irish volunteers, professionals and missionaries who have worked in the developing world. At present, the Government's aid programme supports the work of some 1,300 development workers, volunteers and missionaries in developing countries. In addition, the Rapid Response Corps operated by Irish Aid provides an opportunity for those with specific skills to be deployed swiftly in response to humanitarian crises and disasters.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a civilian volunteer corps. In line with this commitment, we plan to launch a new initiative on international volunteering in developing countries later this year. It will strengthen support for volunteering and promote civilian participation in high quality volunteer programmes that contribute to the achievement of clear sustainable development results. The volunteering initiative will reflect development needs in developing countries and increase volunteering opportunities for those, including job-seekers and retired public servants, who have skills and experience in short supply in the developing world.
At EU level, a Council negotiating position for the establishment of the EU Aid Volunteers Initiative was agreed during Ireland's EU Presidency in the first half of 2013. Working closely with the Commission and Member States, Ireland sought to ensure that the draft regulation reflected the need for this initiative to be demand-driven and cost-effective, adding value to the overall EU humanitarian effort and responding to humanitarian need. The EU Aid Volunteers Initiative will provide an additional opportunity for humanitarian volunteers from Ireland to participate in EU funded humanitarian operations worldwide.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 49.