Vol. 531 No. 2
154 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will take a day's leave in order to carry out voluntary work in recognition of this year as the International Year of the Volunteer; if she will allow all staff in her Department to take a day off on a similar basis; the steps she will take to pay tribute to the International Year of the Volunteer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5346/01]
The International Year of the Volunteer affords me another opportunity to congratulate and pay tribute to the many volunteers who have done sterling work, not just in the area of arts, culture, heritage and the Irish language but also in all walks of life. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has been to the fore in recognising the efforts of voluntary organisations and every effort will be made to facilitate any staff members who wish to take annual leave or special leave for carrying out voluntary work. From a personal perspective, I will be making arrangements to mark the international year in an appropriate way.
