Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I cannot comment exactly on what legislative proposals there may be, but Deputy Ring raised a valid point about the risk posed to people in getting involved in any form of activity, whether it is voluntary or otherwise. Earlier this week, my Department funded 64 national organisations across a wide range of disciplines. This was to enable them to provide a range of supports to volunteers over a three year period, including training of volunteers, upskilling facilitators and ensuring the areas of concern are addressed.

It is important to encourage volunteering and have the supports necessary to underpin this involvement. On the international day of volunteering it is appropriate that we call on more people to make their talents available to their local communities. In return for this they will have a sense of satisfaction in contributing to the community. The Department has a wide range of grant supports. Deputy Ring's county is good at drawing down these grants so County Mayo must have a strong base in volunteering.

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