Vol. 531 No. 2
204 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science 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. [5349/01]
I welcome the declaration by the United Nations of the year 2001 as International Year of the Volunteer. Much good work has been done over the years by voluntary workers in all walks of life, including the area of education, and this year will be seen as recognition for their endeavours.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness a national committee on volunteering has been established with the long-term aim of devising strategies and actions for supporting volunteering. I can assure the Deputy that any strategies which the committee may propose in the area of education will be given every consideration by my Department.
Under the terms of circular 2/76, civil servants may avail of special leave without pay for a number of purposes, including service with voluntary organisations engaged in community welfare, charitable and other voluntary initiatives. I am prepared to facilitate any officials from my Department who may wish to participate in voluntary activities under the terms of this circular.
For my own part, I am involved with voluntary organisations, both local and national, outside of my normal working hours that take up substantially more than one day of my personal time each year.
