Ivor Callely
Ceist:14 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress, if any, that has been made on the White Paper and charter on voluntary organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [88211/95]
Written Answers. - White Paper and Charter on Voluntary Activity.
On coming into office, I found that a draft White Paper had been prepared in the Department of Social Welfare. It had not received Government approval. On examining this document I considered that the material as drafted was inadequate and its focus needed to be widened. It also needed to reflect recent developments. Among these developments are the implementation of the programme for local urban and rural development, the commitment in the programme for renewal to the development of a strong and independent community information sector; the transfer of the National Social Services Board from the Department of Health to the Department of Social Welfare. Finally there are my proposals for a national poverty strategy, which have recently been approved by the Government, which will involve all Government Departments and agencies, and the voluntary and community sector.
This process is taking place as a matter of priority.