Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

In keeping with the commitment in the programme for Government, over the coming months I plan to explore options for the establishment of a civilian corps which could allow some jobseekers to use and share their skills in developing countries while retaining some jobseeker's benefit.

Support for volunteering has always been strong in Ireland. Much of the achievement and the strong international reputation of our development programme is built on the contribution of generations of courageous Irish volunteers and missionaries who worked to improve the lives of the world's poorest people. The volunteering experience today contributes to young people's personal and professional development, while providing skills and expertise that complement those existing on the ground.

Since I was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development, I have begun a process of dialogue with the Irish development non-governmental organisations, both collectively and individually. I hope to meet shortly with the main organisations which send volunteers to work in developing countries. I will explore with them how people who have become unemployed or cannot find employment in Ireland could most usefully play a role in international development, if they wish to do so.

The focus of the Government's aid programme is on the fight against poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries and communities in the world. It is strongly concentrated in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Through the aid programme, which is administered by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government is currently funding the work of about 1,300 development workers, volunteers and missionaries in developing countries. In addition, Ireland's rapid response corps, established by Irish Aid, enables those with specific skills to deploy swiftly in humanitarian crises. I am also examining a pilot initiative at European Union level to develop a European voluntary humanitarian aid corps.

It is clear that volunteers can have a very important role to play as part of Ireland's overall contribution to development. I want to ensure we can build on the contribution already being made by individual Irish volunteers in the most effective, relevant and safest manner possible.

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