Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 10, inclusive, together.

I announced the membership of the task force on active citizenship on 18 April. I was pleased to be able to secure the agreement of people with a record of achievement across a wide range of areas of public life to serve as members of the task force. The task force will be chaired by Ms Mary Davis who, in her role as director of Special Olympics Ireland, succeeded in generating a tremendous response from ordinary citizens to the extraordinary experience that was the Special Olympics in 2003.

I envisage that in the course of its work the task force will consult individuals and organisations throughout the country on their experience of the influences that shape citizen participation and engagement. It is intended that the task force will report its findings to the Government within nine months. The task force will hold its first meeting today and its work programme will be a matter for it to determine.

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