Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the support measures for volunteering he intends to introduce in 2006, including measures directed at promoting volunteering in second and third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4440/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware of the volunteering package, which I announced in March 2005, and my replies to Questions Nos. 18, 34, 36, 53, 305 and 308 in March, April and June of last year relating to that initiative.

This volunteering package is now in place and funding is continuing for the range of initiatives for the three year period from 2005 to 2007, including funding to the various volunteer bureaux and funding for second and third level volunteering initiatives.

I have only recently approved increased funding to Volunteering Ireland and Tallaght Volunteer Bureau bringing their total annual funding to €135,902 and €119,746, respectively. I have also approved increased funding for the Young Social Innovators bringing their total annual funding to €250,000.

With regard to an allocation from the Local and Community Development Cohesion Fund which I previously announced, I am pleased to say that in excess of €1.4 million was provided by my Department in December 2005 to county development boards for a range of volunteering initiatives across the country. Such initiatives in support of volunteering will continue through 2006 and beyond.