Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have asked the question to highlight the tremendous work done over many years by volunteers in the real meaning of the word, for which they are not remunerated. They are, however, finding it very difficult and it could come to the point where we will have no voluntary boards of management, no voluntary directors and no volunteers in the youth service. As there are 600 volunteers in Dublin alone, we should reflect on what would happen if a significant number felt they were no longer welcome, or that what they were contributing was being undermined. The one-size-fits-all approach makes it difficult. I agree with good governance, transparency and accountability, but there is no allowance for the difference between the directors who are really voluntary and those who are being remunerated. There is so much administrative work to be done that one has to ask if the quality of youth working has improved as a result. The most vital component is the relationship between a young person and a youth worker. I do not dispute the need for rules and regulations, but we need to look at this issue because we are in danger of losing many volunteers.

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