Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
1306. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the actions taken to achieve objective 8 strengthen and build understanding and capacity to support the implementation of the sustainable development goals (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17507/21]
View answerSustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, the five year strategy to support the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland sets a general direction of travel for government policy in relation to the community development, local development and the community and voluntary sectors for the coming decade. With actions to be implemented over the coming years, the high-level objectives and actions will support consultation, inclusion and participation of communities in public policy and decision-making at all levels, as well as examining the current funding models and specific actions in support of climate action and the implementation of SDGs.
The Strategy also copper-fastens the renewed relationship and partnership between government and the community and voluntary sectors which has developed during the course of its preparation, resulting in a co-authored, and co-owned policy. With ongoing oversight provided by the Cross-Sectoral Group on Local and Community Development and subgroups, the Department engages regularly with the sector to implement these important actions.
Sustainable Development Goals are a cornerstone to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global and local challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. To build awareness and engagement from grassroots level up, my Department intends to make the SDGs an important element of the new guidelines for the development of Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs).
As part of the ongoing work in implementing the actions outlined in Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024, a training needs analysis of LCDC members is currently being undertaken and will include surveying LCDC members in relation to the SDGs. The resulting reports will inform how best to address gaps and structure appropriate capacity building and training. Further analysis will be completed in the coming months into the training needs of community and voluntary organisations in relation to their understanding of policies such as SDGs, as well as other themes.
To ensure the SDG and broader environmental perspectives are represented, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications are active participants on the Cross-Sectoral Group, with regular bilateral interactions between our Departments. We will continue to collaborate on progressing awareness, understanding and capacity in relation to the SDGs at all levels.
