Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I met representatives of the volunteer centre in Galway this morning as part of a briefing on National Volunteering Week 2015. They outlined the progress they have made. Ireland ranks very highly with regard to volunteerism. Approximately 20% of people in this country do not volunteer because they do not know where to access volunteering opportunities or how to get involved in the process. Those involved in National Volunteering Week will outline how people can access voluntary services and get involved in their local communities. Their partnership with LinkedIn will allow them to connect with 1.2 million members to advertise volunteering roles. This significant asset will benefit people who want to apply their skills to local charity groups and organisations, as well as improving their own employability prospects and their professional experience. There is a demand for people with skills in information technology, customer service, event management and education and training. Volunteer Ireland intends to launch a volunteer finder system that will enable charities and organisations to find volunteers with specific skills to help them. Volunteer Ireland is to be commended on this initiative. I wish it every success.