Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Addressing the issue of isolation in rural and urban areas requires a combination of policy initiatives and actions to improve both economic development and to address gaps in meeting social needs in these areas. Many of the initiatives form part of the Government’s published Action Plan for Rural Development and framework policy for local and community development which include a range of measures which will contribute significantly to addressing isolation and social inclusion in communities. As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I will continue to advocate for a cross-government approach to ensuring the rural and community voice is heard in matters of policy. My Department is committed to the successful delivery of a number of programmes which provide financial and other supports for organisations throughout the country to assist in combating rural and urban isolation. They include the seniors alert scheme, the social inclusion and community activation programme, the LEADER programme and the community services programme. In addition, groups can input into the policy-making process through the local structures established by my Department, the public participation networks and local community development committees.

On volunteering, the call for an input paper is a first step in developing a new national volunteering strategy. We want to hear from stakeholders as we draft the new strategy and there will be further opportunities to have an input via public consultation later in the process.

See this speech in context