Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
26. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans for the development of a national strategy to support the community and voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30085/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently finalising a five-year strategy to support the Community and Voluntary sector in Ireland. The strategy addresses the need for an implementation plan for the 2016 Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland, as well as the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment to develop a strategy to support the Community and Voluntary sector.
The draft strategy has been co-produced with the Community and Voluntary sector, local government and relevant Government Departments. It describes a long-term vision for our communities and sets out a direction of travel for Government policy in relation to community development, local development and the broader Community and Voluntary sector.
The strategy will comprise high-level strategic objectives with associated actions to support communities and the community organisations that work with and support them. My Department will lead on its implementation, working collaboratively with relevant Government Departments, State agencies and Community and Voluntary stakeholders.
Development of the strategy was supported by a Cross-Sectoral Group on Local and Community Development and I intend to reconvene and expand this group to support implementation, monitoring and review. There will be periodic progress reports provided to the relevant Cabinet Sub-Committee and a formal mid-term review will also be carried out.
