Seanad debates

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Community and Voluntary Sector: Statements, Questions and Answers

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

This will be so big it will not be required of me to launch it. It will be somebody bigger and better than me, perhaps the Taoiseach.

Local Government reform is an area to which we will return in the Seanad in the near future, when I have gone further in crystallising views and hearing Senators' views on how we should move forward with reform.

I acknowledge Senator Hayden's words of caution about philanthropy. I hope it did not take up too much of my speech. I certainly do not wish to convey that it is the only issue but I was asked questions about it and responded in that context. The forum on philanthropy was dormant for a number of years but we have revitalised it in recent months to see what is the best and most structured way for people who are interested in giving and becoming involved in a giving campaign and also to help the very worthy causes that need some assistance. The State will never be able to cover everything. However, I sincerely take on board the Senator's observation. This will be a very small part of the effort we will make towards the community and voluntary sector, in support of the policies we will pursue and the core funding, the other issue she mentioned. I agree there is a degree of uncertainty. I inherited a very difficult situation with regard to the community and voluntary sector. There were many headings that had applied for money but there was no money. I am streamlining that situation at present to see what we can do to give more certainty to the various organisations in the future.

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