Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
789. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which voluntary community groups are ordinarily consulted in the process of developing the National Volunteering Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24551/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025 was published in December 2020. It was the product of extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, including voluntary community groups.
In December 2018, the then Minister of State, Séan Canney, launched a Call for Input paper on Volunteering which was the first step in developing the national volunteering strategy. This was designed to inform stakeholders about the proposed development of the volunteering strategy and seek their views on what constitutes volunteering and what the strategy should contain.
In excess of 130 initial submissions were received in response to the Call for Input, providing strong input for the first draft of the strategy which was then circulated for further comment.
A National Advisory Group, made up of a range of community and voluntary stakeholders as well as Government Departments, was established to develop the strategy. The group worked closely with the Department throughout 2019-2020, during which time there was a further opportunity for stakeholders and the public to input on the matter before the strategy was presented to Government for approval. Over 90 submissions were received as a result of this process - from community groups, individuals and Volunteer Involving Organisations across Ireland.
On 5 December 2020 Mr. Joe O’Brien, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, launched the first National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025. The strategy, produced in collaboration with the community and voluntary and business sectors, provides a vision and road map for both volunteers and those organisations who benefit from the work of volunteers.
The National Volunteering Strategy is being implemented by my Department in collaboration with the Volunteering Strategy Implementation Group which is made up of representatives from other relevant Government Departments, Public Bodies and Stakeholders.
