Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals he has to make available a national volunteering passport which will provide a useful record of voluntary activity over the lifetime of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11398/05]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the Department of Education and Science in regard to locating volunteering centres on the campuses of third level institutions to ensure the comprehensive exposure of young persons to the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11404/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 53 together.

The questions raised relate to recommendations contained in the recent Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on Volunteers and Volunteering in Ireland.

Deputies will be aware from my reply to Questions Nos. 305 and 308 of 8 March 2005 that I have introduced a package of measures to provide immediate support for volunteering, including measures directed at promoting volunteering in second and third level institutions. These measures will strengthen and promote volunteering as we develop a comprehensive long-term national policy in consultation with communities and players in the sector. It is in this context that the issues raised by the Deputies and other proposals raised in the joint Oireachtas committee report can best be addressed. In this context, I will discuss relevant matters, as they arise with the Minister for Education and Science.