Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)

As a public representative, I have seen at first hand the significant contribution community and voluntary organisations have made to every town and village. Thousands of organisations in the not-for-profit voluntary and community sector transform Irish society for the better each day in ways that other sectors cannot. Included in the voluntary organisations are those local community development groups and parish councils that meet weekly or monthly to plan events, fund-raise for projects and set up meetings and, in many cases, become the driving force behind community projects. Individuals give freely of their time and-or expertise to help their communities for no reason other than to improve their localities. Tidy Towns groups were mentioned by the Minister of State, Deputy Penrose, yesterday. Such groups provide sterling service to improve their surroundings and inspire pride for towns where improvements become visible. County councils are also important sources of funding for Tidy Towns and community groups. Despite the cutbacks, it is good that such small grants continue. These grants are valuable to local communities.

In recent weeks, I have attended a number of briefings and spoken with members of community and voluntary organisations such as the Carers Association, Marriage Equality, the Simon Communities and Older and Bolder, all of which tirelessly combat problems and issues and seek changes that can make a difference to the lives of many citizens.

We are all too aware of the financial and economic crisis being experienced by society. It must be said that community and voluntary organisations, acutely aware of the constraints on resources, have displayed a commendable understanding and a remarkable resilience at seeking new ways of doing more with less and of striving for efficiencies without sacrificing effectiveness.

Other non-governmental organisations, such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Free Legal Advice Centres have been instrumental in the recently completed universal periodic review of Ireland by consulting with communities and outlining areas of concern in respect of our human rights obligations. The United Nations and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, recognised the significant contribution of the Rights Now coalition of NGOs. This recognition is verification of the regard and respect that exists at Government level for our partners in the community and voluntary sector. Without doubt, the State will continue to work with such organisations as we examine ways to improve the legislative framework for human rights.

In the motion, Sinn Féin states that the Government has inflicted cutbacks on community and voluntary groups, specifically those that have spoken out against Government policies. This is inaccurate and an untruth. Both Government parties have upheld democratic principles and vindicated essential freedoms such as that of speech and expression without fear when others at darker moments in our history have not. Despite such calculated accusations being made against us, I assure all citizens that the Government will continue to support community and voluntary organisations that share the goals of protecting the vulnerable and disadvantaged, upholding and respecting rights and making society fairer and more equitable despite the traumatic economic times in which we are living.

I commend the Government on its plans for an interim report on philanthropy. Last week saw the Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin Castle. I hope it can encourage the Irish diaspora to continue supporting our community and voluntary sectors, investing in our businesses and creating jobs.

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