Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

The nature of volunteerism has changed. The minute any organisation interacts with State agencies such as, for example, FÁS, Pobal or the HSE to provide employment through community employment schemes, provide child care through the national child care investment programme or develop infrastructure in its community, it is immediately entering a bureaucratic nightmare and the imposition of standards that the State itself does not always follow.

The recent bad weather saw the principles of volunteerism and the good samaritan in operation. Communities and individuals took care of their own. This was widespread in my county of Clare, where neighbours, sporting organisations and community groups worked hand in hand to help one another.

The LRC's analysis of this issue was that it is unlikely that liability would arise in most situations. However, it qualified its conclusion to the effect that a residual risk of litigation could not be ruled out, particularly in the context of organised volunteering activity. It is critical that the Minister no longer puts this issue on the long finger. He has an opportunity tonight to do something positive on behalf of the many people who take up the slack when the State is either unwilling or unable to do so. I appeal to the Government to have a change of heart and support this progressive Bill.

See this speech in context