Community Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2006

Thursday, 5 October 2006

Ceisteanna (54)

Dan Boyle

Ceist:

48 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the status of the White Paper on Voluntary Activity. [31217/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 36 on 29 June 2005. I indicated in my reply that the white paper remains Government policy and that my Department had commissioned a consultancy to advise on practical measures to further advance the key principles set out in the white paper in the light of the changed context since its publication.

The consultants' report, which underlines the crucial importance of the community and voluntary sector, made a number of key recommendations designed build on the achievements made to date and assist the sector to realise its potential. I am considering how best to progress these important recommendations and I will revert to the House on the matter at an early date.