Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jerry Buttimer):Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. Ar an gcéad dul síos, gabhaim comhghairdeas leis as ucht a phoist mar Chathaoirleach an chomhchoiste seo. Gabhaim buíochas le gach ball an choiste seo as ucht na hoibre atá siad ag déanamh. I thank the committee for its engagement and ongoing interest and commitment in our area of responsibility. I thank the members of the team at the Department for their wonderful work. The import of what we do is about people, community and enhancing and improving the lives of people. Since I became Minister of State, the Minister and I have worked collaboratively to ensure that we represent what is, as Deputy Aird mentioned, probably the best Department in government in terms of securing the enhancement of the public realm, but also the lives of people. Travelling the country since becoming Minister of State, I have seen at first hand the breadth of work, the depth of commitment and the quality of the outcome in assisting people. Be it urban Ireland, towns and villages or rural Ireland, the range of activities and services being run by people is phenomenal. I thank all the people involved for the work they do.

Priorities in my area of responsibility include: the creation of a new strategy for the community and voluntary sector; working with our wonderful volunteers to ensure the volunteering strategy is supported and enhanced; examining the community services programme, CSP, in regard to how we can have new applications; prioritising with the Charities Regulator the Charities Act 2009 and ensuring it is working for everybody; working with the Charities Regulator, which is doing great work; increasing funding for SICAP; and advancing the philanthropy strategy, which is important. All of this is subject to budget provisions.

I thank all the members for their work. Deputy McGuinness was with me in County Waterford. We had a great engagement with a wonderful group of people. They are an example of what groups are doing with us and local authorities to improve people's lives. I thank the committee members for their support. I look forward to working with them all. Like the Minister, I have an open door, so feel free to come to talk to us.

I wish the Cathaoirleach well in his role.