Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate what the Minister of State said about the importance of volunteerism and how vital it is to every community across our country. We need to ensure there are checks and balances and a code of governance in place and that moneys allocated to certain charities and income from fundraising, etc., are spent appropriately. Changes have been made to ensure checks and balances are in place. Are there plans to introduce specific measures to support volunteers as they deal with the bureaucratic nature of the system? It is important to support volunteers. As a young representative who is involved in a number of committees in my community, I am concerned that if we fast forward ten, 15 or 20 years, the level of work required and the bureaucratic nature of the system will result in young people deciding not to take on voluntary roles. I say that knowing that we need checks and balances. The key issue is to have practical supports in place to help and support volunteers and ensure the spirit of volunteerism continues in every community across the country.