Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I cannot remember the actual Bill, but I know there is action in that regard. The Attorney General also had an interest in progressing that issue. Another issue mentioned in the House recently, on which I have tried to get people working, is that some of the most significant obstacles to volunteering throughout the country are insurance and liability, which are related to the issue raised by the Deputy. Local authorities now have a scheme in this regard and we need to promote that scheme, which would help promote the use of sports and community halls and schools for weekend and other activities. A significant network of infrastructure exists and we need to ensure it is used. Liability and insurance issues are significant deterrents to that. There is a scheme in existence to deal with this and the active citizenship office intends to make a big effort to promote it. Many people did not know there was such a scheme.

I will check what the position is with regard to the legislation. The issues of liability and insurance are a huge deterrent to community activity. If an active committee is hit with libel action, insurance and legal costs, it is a significant deterrent.

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