Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy and there is also a recognition of that in the strategy, which is one of the reasons it has been prioritised. Much of this comes down to some Departments and agencies not getting what the community and voluntary sector is about to some extent. That is certainly not the case with my Department. I have been very impressed with the officials in my time there. They absolutely get it and it is reflected in the strategy. One of the practical measures the cross-sectoral group is working on is a values and principles document to bridge that gap that is present on some occasions. The objective is to get Departments to buy into this values and principles document, which refers to values such as social justice, sustainable development, social inclusion, human rights, equality and active participation. We are working on this document and will bring it to Departments, which will also help to bridge the gap in understanding that the Deputy has referred to indirectly.

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