Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are very welcome. I thank them for coming in today because I represent a constituency in Sligo and would be very familiar with the work that is taking place there. I see it on a regular basis and have been speaking to the witnesses' colleagues there. We resolved an issue with the local authority regarding accommodation in Sligo. What is the nature of Volunteer Ireland's relationship with local authorities? Is the relationship close? One of the issues the witnesses spoke about here was funding and the lack thereof. I see the number of people who are actively participating in activities in Sligo in areas raised by the witnesses such as sport, the Fleadh and Tidy Towns. I attended a briefing in Buswells Hotel some weeks ago. It is vitally important that more people are more aware of it because there are many people out there. I have seen the age profile of those involved in volunteering and it is very encouraging. I am speaking based on my experience in Sligo. I am very impressed with the work, commitment and effort put in by so many people on a daily basis and I commend Volunteer Ireland for the work that has been done there