Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
82. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to recognise the rights of thousands of volunteers who help deliver programmes (details supplied) on the ground; his plans to ensure equality monitoring of Irish Aid volunteers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11236/19]
View answerIn the Government's new development cooperation policy 'A Better World' launched by the Taoiseach last week, we have committed to increase our engagement with Irish people and organisations involved in all aspects of our development cooperation, including Irish volunteers in developing countries and those who have returned to Ireland.
Ireland's policy on overseas volunteering is set out in the Volunteering Initiative, which promotes skills-based, sustainable volunteering overseas, working in partnership with third parties. As part of its work to take the commitments outlined in 'A Better World' forward, my Department will commence a review of our approach to overseas volunteering during 2019. This review will aim to ensure that our approach keeps pace with the evolving discourse on volunteering for development, and also with the development of best practice on promoting equality and diversity at home and abroad. The Department will consult with relevant stakeholders to take this work forward.
