Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of volunteers because we need to be positive about them. Last weekend, the Community Games national movement held its national awards ceremony in Carlow. The organisation, which prides itself on inclusion and participation, was founded in 1967 and is still going strong today because of the people who make up a vital part of the organisation, namely, the volunteers on the ground. I was delighted to celebrate the national area volunteer and media awards with all the hardworking volunteers, who are the engine behind the Community Games machine. I was struck by the sheer number of them and the range of people involved - young, old and everything in between. A volunteer gives up his or her time for others, in the service of others and with others. They are the definition of selfless, freely giving their valuable time to something larger than themselves. Many of the volunteers I met from Carlow and elsewhere in the country lead busy lives, yet they find time somewhere to give themselves to the Community Games. Whether as coaches, organisers or committee members, they all provide a service without which the community games could not succeed. The children who get to participate in this incredible organisation can do so only if there are volunteers to guide them.

I congratulate, thank and applaud all the volunteers, and everyone who, in his or her day-to-day life, year after year, works tirelessly for no reward, just the joy of being part of a community. We all need to compliment them and say, "Well done." So many other serious issues have been raised today, such as those relating to women in abusive circumstances, violence and drugs, and we must work on them. Nevertheless, when there are great organisations such as the Community Games, with so many volunteers, it is important that we recognise them and give them the credit they are due.