Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - White Paper.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

187 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in line with the Government White Paper, Supporting Voluntary Activity, she has appointed a voluntary activity unit responsible for her Department's co-operation with voluntary and community organisations; if so, the unit's personnel, activities and work to date; if not, the reason therefor; and the personnel in her Department responsible for co-operation with voluntary and community organisations. [16731/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey):

Ongoing responsibility for my Department's co-operation with voluntary and community organisations resides primarily in the employment services section of the labour force development division. The work of this section contributes to the goal of social inclusion through achievement of the Department's labour market policy objectives relating to the training and mobilisation of labour supply.

The section co-ordinates the Department's policy input to the work of the Cabinet committee on social inclusion. The total staff complement in respect of the overall functions of the unit is comprised of one assistant principal, two higher executive officers and two clerical officers, reporting as appropriate to higher levels in the Department.

Other sections across the Department work with and co-operate with the community and voluntary sector on a regular basis.

Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 160.