Vol. 531 No. 2
194 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he 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 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. [5348/01]
I welcome the International Year of the Volunteer initiative. Much of the work of my Department in the areas of sport and recreation, local development and the national drugs strategy relies heavily on volunteerism. I express my grateful appreciation, and that of my colleague Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Eoin Ryan, for the unstinting efforts of the many who give freely of their time for the benefit of others.
The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness provided for the establishment of the national committee on volunteering with the long-term aim of devising strategies and actions for supporting volunteering. This committee, which was established under the chairmanship of Deputy Chris Flood, will oversee the management of the International Year of the Volunteer in Ireland and also contribute to this work at an international level. It will also examine and make recommendations on recognition for voluntary work and training and the range of supports needed to promote, sustain and develop volunteering in Ireland. I am happy to say that the Irish Sports Council is represented on the committee.
I make myself available to every extent possible to support and promote the work of the community and voluntary sector and I will continue to do so. Staff members of my Department requesting a day's annual leave to carry out volunteer work in recognition of the International Year of the Volunteer will be facilitated where possible.
There are long-standing special arrangements in the Civil Service whereby staff members can be considered for leave of absence for extended periods in order to undertake charitable work on a voluntary basis. My Department will continue to operate these arrangements in a flexible manner consistent with the achievement of its strategic aims and objectives.
