Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is something that is critically important for the development of our communities. Coming from a constituency like that of the Minister of State where a huge population has come in over the past 20 years, it is really important that we provide every opportunity we can to encourage, upskill and train for people to come on to voluntary boards. I have been involved in voluntary boards for close to 30 years. It is becoming harder and harder to encourage people. A lot of the regulation and governance, which is extremely important, sometimes can overwhelm them, put them off and even frighten them a little. It is critically important that we provide that funding for people, particularly those who have come into Ireland from the migrant communities, to encourage them to get involved with the boards. I welcome the funding.

See this speech in context