As indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 34 and 182 of 29 April and 4 May last, respectively, I have established a Steering Committee drawn from a range of relevant statutory agencies and Departments and from the voluntary sector. As the membership of this group extends to some 20 individuals, representing these agencies and organisations, I will make the names available in a table to be included in the official report of this debate. This steering group has the following terms of reference: to advise on the consultation process with the voluntary and community sector (and with relevant statutory agencies) in relation to the White Paper; to participate in same (i. e. provide speakers as appropriate) and to mediate and comment on feedback and advise on issues and directions for the White Paper.
The group has met on three occasions to date with the most recent meeting taking place on 15 June. As I also indicated in my replies to previous questions, my intention was that the White Paper be published before the end of the year.
However, at their meeting on 28 May 1998, members of the group expressed concern that this timeframe might be too tight to allow for adequate consultation with the voluntary and community sector. The group asked that this timeframe be extended for some three months or so, so as to ensure that time is available for the widest range of voluntary and community groups to be involved in discussions and debate about the forthcoming White Paper.