Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

To answer the Deputy's last question first, there is a far greater effort being made now that the group insurance scheme has been opened to members of local authorities and voluntary forums. This should be provided widely among relevant organisations. As I said, insurance is one of the recurring barriers to active citizenship cited at public consultation meetings. The scheme has ameliorated the insurance issue for community and voluntary groups by allowing them to secure considerably cheaper premiums. That is a big step towards the opening of youth halls, sports halls, GAA, rugby and soccer facilities, scouting halls and so on. I recently attended the AGM and annual dinner of the scouts organisation and I was told that this was a good scheme. It is to be hoped it will be extended to schools and other community activities. Previously, the issue of liability insurance costs was a great deterrent for school boards of management in allowing people to enter outside school hours.

It is important to help community and voluntary groups meet compliance costs by providing programme funding and ensuring these costs are proportionate and that administrative burdens for these organisations are streamlined and standardised to the greatest possible extent across the public service. The report recommends that we ensure, through the education system or local authorities, that schemes are standardised in order that small committees such as those running summer leagues will not operate by themselves. This should be carried out. I have been told by some of those involved that there is some interest among commercial entities, including insurance companies and commercial organisations with networks of outlets around the country, in joining in and helping with these schemes. I welcome this because networking by such commercial organisations can be very helpful.

The Deputy mentioned facilitating engagement, promoting a sense of community and awards. This has nothing to do with the proposal for an honours system that we discussed previously. That is a separate debate. However, the introduction of a national active citizenship team was suggested in the report, for the remarks on which I thank Deputies. The idea is that there would be a national citizenship week to stimulate local active citizenship activities. For example, there could be a "get to know your neighbour" event, whereby all organisations in a community would get together and show their wares. There is extraordinary support for this idea among both community and commercial interests. It is their idea and they are keen to do it next year, which would be the first year of these events. The team would be selected to promote local community involvement and would draw on existing community resources and initiatives. The initiative would culminate in an active citizenship week and be a focal point for every community.

The report also recommends the introduction of a national presidential citizens' awards scheme to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals in communities. The awards committee would be given a limited list of individuals selected through an independent process based on nominations from members of the public. The presentation of the awards would tie in with the national active citizen award. We are in consultation with the President on how this fits in with Gaisce, the existing President's awards scheme. The idea is that the award would be given to somebody who has done a good job in the community in a particular year, although he or she may not have been involved in any other year, perhaps running the community games or a mini football league. It does not have to be a sports activity — the person could be involved with Meals on Wheels or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Another novel idea which aims to get people interested is the development of a certificate award which would be earned by completing at least three months of volunteer work or community activity. This is to encourage people to get involved with community activities for at least one summer or winter season. According to the report, research shows that this could be done either during education or in the early stages of working life. It is geared to encourage new generations of people to be active in the community. Their motivation would be to complete at least a three-month period of activity. It is not designed for older people but targets the inclusion of younger people to get them started. It is hoped that in this way they will see that they can achieve something in their local communities.

On the matter of schools and local authorities, an audit by local authorities, through the county, city and development boards, of all existing community facilities in the State is under way and is to be finished by this time next year. It aims to identify gaps in the provision of facilities and opportunities for improving efficiency of use or sharing of facilities, which is what the Deputy referred to in his question. Many facilities currently open only from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. could easily be used in the morning by parents, retired individuals or small children. The report states better use could be made of schools in the evening and at weekends as community hubs, as mentioned. A pilot project is planned for a number of post-primary schools in conjunction with the efforts of the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Carey, with regard to the young people's facilities and services fund.

Thus, a number of good initiatives are planned, which can be carried out with sufficient support and co-ordination. There is only a small office in my Department, but the idea is that we try to co-ordinate the activities of many existing bodies. We are trying to obtain support from private sector organisations with networks around the country. I do not want advertise for these commercial organisations but many of them have been positive in their support and have made staff available to work with us to develop this network. This is very much appreciated.

See this speech in context