Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, together.

A high level of civic engagement and participation significantly contributes to individual, community and societal well-being. However, it is generally accepted that there are pressures on this type of civic engagement in modern Ireland arising from work and family responsibilities, changing settlement patterns and evolving societal values.

Recognising the importance of these issues, I announced my intention earlier this year to establish a task force on active citizenship. There was a strong public response to my statement and many individuals and groups made suggestions as to how this task might be pursued. A secretariat established in my Department has analysed these suggestions as well as gathering further relevant material, such as the recently published report from the ESRI on the place of sport in Irish society, and further work from the National Economic and Social Council, which will be incorporated in its forthcoming strategy report.

I am now in a position to confirm the terms of reference of the task force. They are to review the evidence regarding trends in citizen participation across the main areas of civic, community, cultural, occupational and recreational life; examine those trends in the context of international experience and analysis; review the experience of organisations involved in the political, caring, community, professional and occupational, cultural, sporting and religious dimensions of life regarding influences, both positive and negative, on levels of citizen participation and engagement; and recommend measures which could be taken as part of public policy to facilitate and encourage a greater degree of engagement by citizens in all aspects of life and the growth and development of voluntary organisations as part of a strong civic culture.

I expect to be in a position to announce the membership of the task force shortly. It is intended that the task force will complete its work within nine months. An important part of its work will be to provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations throughout the country to contribute their experiences and suggestions to inform the work of the task force.

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