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National Volunteering Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Questions (776)

Gerald Nash

Question:

776. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the development of a national strategy on volunteering; when the strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11697/20]

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Written answers

Supporting the role of volunteers in our society is an important element of my Department's work in developing vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities. Consequently, the development of a National Volunteering Strategy is a key priority for my Department.

The first step in the development of the strategy was a Call for Input paper launched in December 2018. The responses received were presented to the National Advisory Group on Volunteering which is representative of all stakeholders and chaired by the Minister of State. This group has met on three occasions to date and has provided a comprehensive input into the development of the strategy. In addition, officials from the Department attended a youth consultation event organised by Foróige to seek the input and engagement of young people into the development of the strategy.

Following the input of the Advisory Group, a public consultation process on the draft Strategy ran from 20th December 2019 to 31st January 2020. My Department received over 75 responses and was due to meet the National Advisory Group last March to discuss these responses. Following the recent events around COVID-19 it has not been possible to meet with the group. However, my Department is working on plans to bring the group together in the near future to finalise the strategy. In addition, work is underway to ensure that the Covid-19 volunteering experience is reflected in the finalised strategy.

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