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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 4

Written Answers. - Community Development.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

91 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consideration which has been given to establishing a State awards scheme recognising laudable community and voluntary effort. [17718/03]

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 for supporting 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 in October 2002. Tipping The Balance is an extremely detailed and comprehensive report which considers many aspects of volunteering, including ways in which volunteering can be recognised and supported by the State. The process of examination and consideration of the report is continuing in my Department and the issue raised by the Deputy will be examined in that context.
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