Vol. 531 No. 2
133 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will take a day's leave to carry out voluntary work in recognition of this year as the International Year of the Volunteer; if he will allow all staff in his Department to take a day off on a similar basis; the steps he will take to pay tribute to the International Year of the Volunteer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5344/01]
While I am not directly involved in any voluntary organisation, I do give my support indirectly to a number of such organisations. I feel this is more practical in my case than becoming involved for one day with a particular organisation.
There are no special provisions for the granting of paid leave to civil servants to undertake voluntary work. However, there is provision for the granting of periods of unpaid leave to undertake volunteer or charitable work. Requests for such leave are always favourably considered by my Department. It would not be practicable for my Department to grant a day's paid leave to over 900 staff to undertake volunteer work.
