Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together.

I was pleased to launch the report of the task force on active citizenship on 28 March last. The report was prepared following extensive consultation and research carried out by the task force since its establishment in April 2006. Copies of the report have been placed in the Oireachtas Library.

I believe that the task force stimulated a very worthwhile public debate about the nature of citizenship in a fast-changing country. It has produced an excellent report which includes recommendations to Government, as well as proposals for how individuals, community and voluntary organisations, the business sector and the media can each make a contribution.

The recommendations to Government come under the following thematic areas: participation in the democratic process, the public service and citizens, community engagement and promoting a sense of community, education for citizenship and ethnic and cultural diversity and the challenge of engaging newcomers and local civic participation. The report also makes recommendations about implementation and proposes some targets by which to monitor progress.

The Government has accepted the task force's recommendations in principle and agreed to establish a non-statutory active citizenship office as proposed in its report. The office is developing an implementation plan in consultation with several Departments and other relevant stakeholders. I am pleased that Ms Mary Davis has agreed to chair a steering group to oversee the work of the office.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the task force on producing a clear and concise report within a tight timeframe. It provides a sound basis for strengthening civic participation in Ireland over the next few years.

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