Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The structured dialogue I referred to earlier was suggested by those within the sector. In some respects, it flows from what took place in the social partnership process over many years whereby the social partners and the Government would engage with each other. The Department is proposing to develop, in conjunction with those in the sector, draft papers. This process will facilitate and enable the discussion to take place. I am of the view that the consultation process should not be too lengthy. The basis for agreement is about right and most people are aware of what we want to try to achieve, namely, a more equal and more healthy society in which individuals feel they have a role to play.

We want to build on the strengths that already exist. I was not being frivolous when I stated that there are 24,000 voluntary groups throughout the country. These groups are both large and small, some of them are extremely ineffective while others are great at what they do. During the recent two-week period of bad weather, these groups came from nowhere to provide assistance. They operate under the radar but they were there when the cold snap arrived. We must try to ensure that we get the best out of these groups.

I must admit that I obtained the idea for this consultation process from the neighbouring island, where the structured dialogue with the voluntary sector has been quite successful. As long as I hold office and am in a position to exert any influence, the objective of the process will be to develop in this country a civic society that will make a difference.

See this speech in context