Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I could not agree more with the Deputy. As I said, this is the year of the volunteer. We could never speak strongly enough of them and the time and effort they give to sport in this country. We could not pay for it. We do not thank them often enough for their effort, time and commitment. People volunteer from Monday to Friday and Friday to Sunday. None of the national sports organisations could operate without them and we need to keep thanking them. I read a report recently which stated that more people want to volunteer and give of their time but there is a problem, namely, that organisations do not ask them to come on board and provide courses to try to help them do what they are asked. If they provided them, they would do them because this is a great country for volunteers. I thank them for the job they do.

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