Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I was very involved in the development of the White Paper and the process was managed by a former Deputy and Minister of State, Chris Flood. It was a far more limited exercise than the task force. It related to community activism and involvement and it did useful work. I received the final report and most of the recommendations have been implemented and funded.

Regarding progress made in implementing the recommendations of the White Paper on voluntary activity, more than €5.48 million over three years was allocated to the funding scheme to support federations, networks and umbrella bodies — the kinds of groups at which the White Paper was aimed. If one was not involved in such a group, one would not benefit as it did not extend to the wider community. A sum of €1.83 million was provided to fund a scheme for training and support in the community and voluntary sector. Both of these schemes, under the White Paper, were committed to supporting voluntary activities and a range of grants, running to millions of euro, were paid out through the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The White Paper made significant progress in promoting volunteerism, encouraging corporate responsibility and beginning the process of philanthropy. It covered a range of bodies but nothing like the Taskforce on Active Citizenship for those active in community development associations. I pointed out at the time that if all the activities occurred during the day, a great deal of involvement would be lost because this would favour only full-time activists.

The broad principles of the White Paper remain and it is appropriate that the mechanism for addressing these be adjusted to appropriately reflect wider developments and structural changes. Everything in the White Paper was of benefit but it focussed largely on community activity and full-time activity which is not what active citizenship is about.

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