Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

It is important to address voluntarism and the important role volunteers play in their communities. I welcome the Minister of State who is doing tremendous work in his portfolio. Organisational ability is needed to move volunteers in the right direction and he has a major role to play in this regard, which can be constructive.

Reference was made to the tremendous voluntary activity associated with the GAA, rugby and soccer. We could not buy the organisational structure the umbrella organisations have implemented through their volunteers. The Special Olympics were held in Ireland a few years ago and every county was asked to provide 5,000 volunteers. This was a major task but the organisation of this structure was second to none. It proved we were able to compete on a world stage. The games were staged entirely through the voluntary sector. This is why we must financially support, where possible, those engaged in this wonderful work.

Residents and tidy towns associations and other voluntary organisations in our towns and villages play a major role in delivering services the State cannot afford to buy. Events take place in community centres and they are organised by wonderful people who give of their time. They make the community vibrant and their skills, leadership and support are brought to the fore. The most important aspect of being a volunteer is the humanity involved. We should have consideration, for example, for our neighbours. When I was growing up in my community, my mother often asked me to check on our neighbours when she had not seen them for a few hours.

This is an important day in the history of the country, as a budget is being introduced, which will impinge on most of the community but our volunteerism is solid. If our volunteers stick with us and we pull together in tough times, such as now, we will come out the other end successfully. For example, the Wexford Opera Festival is run by a voluntary organisation. The volunteers ensure the festival occurs every year. The Meals on Wheels programme and the Simon Community night-time soup run are voluntary. Many of us do not realise that, while we are sleeping in bed, such people are working to deliver a badly needed service on behalf of our community, State and Government. It is important that the House recognise and salute the people in question because they play a vital role.

I have not mentioned one of the best groups, namely, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which does significant work, finds out where the problems are and deals with them quietly. The society is a wonderful group. Where would our Olympic team have been if not for our athletics, boxing and swimming bodies? They are voluntary organisations of people who pull athletes together, coach them and ensure their fitness to represent Ireland on the world stage.

In terms of volunteerism, it is important that we deliver skills, leadership, support, care and humanity. I wish the Minister of State well. I will not go through the figures, as he has already done so. He is moving in the right direction. The Minister of State with responsibility for older people is leading in that regard and other Ministers of State are beginning to get on top of their leagues. They are dealing with the issues that matter in life.

Senator Ó Murchú succinctly mentioned that to forget about our rural and other communities would be a considerable mistake. It will not occur on our watch.