Vol. 557 No. 4
470 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is taking steps to implement the proposals in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness in relation to the National Committee on Volunteering which was established in December 2000; if he will implement the two major recommendations in the Tipping the Balance report (details supplied); his plans in relation to these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22648/02]
The National Committee on Volunteering was established on 21 November 2000, as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, with the dual tasks of marking the 2001 UN International Year of Volunteers in Ireland and devising strategies and actions to support volunteering. As part of its terms of reference, the committee was asked to examine and make recommendations and report to Government on the possibilities for recognition and accreditation for voluntary work and for training undertaken as a volunteer, measures to widen the pool of volunteers and the range of supports needed in order to promote, sustain and develop volunteering.
The national committee published its report, Tipping The Balance, on 16 October 2002. The Government's commitment to supporting volunteering was stated in the White Paper on supporting voluntary activity published in September 2000 and was demonstrated by the establishment of the committee shortly afterwards. When creating the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in June 2002, the Taoiseach indicated that the Department would have responsibility for issues relating to volunteering.
Tipping The Balance is an extremely detailed and comprehensive report covering many aspects of volunteering with wide-ranging recommendations which affect many state and other bodies. The report and its recommendations are currently under consideration in my Department. In addition to my Department's examination of the report I intend to bring it to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Social Inclusion for its consideration.
