Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy mentioned Scandinavian models and is correct that there is substantial literature on the matter, which has been considered by a number of international bodies. I read some of the recommendations of a good report from the OECD. The task force will consult recognised international experts in this field, many of whom have been working on this here and in other countries for a long time. In the Scandinavian model, organisations tend to work well together, which is not always the case here. I understand people will fight for their patch but the models require working in an integrated way. However, we can examine what is being done.

The Minister for Education and Science has and continues to actively support schools engaged in the civic civil political association and getting students involved at a younger age, voting for their councils, participating on them etc. The Minister is actively interested in this. Regarding many other organisations, we are lucky that Ireland is still ahead in terms of people who want to be active in groups, for example, historical, cultural, social, sporting and other groups. This is about recognition. People believe their civic society engagement should be given support and that their good ideas and works should be expanded nationally. They make the point that Northern Ireland should be included, which I support.

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