Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 186: To ask the Taoiseach the progress in relation to the implementation of the report of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship which was published in March 2007; if he will confirm the establishment of the active citizenship office; the work that office carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8736/08]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taskforce on Active Citizenship completed its work in March 2007 and presented a set of recommendations to Government on measures that could be taken to increase active citizenship and civic participation.

The Government agreed in principle to the recommendations and is proceeding to implement them. To achieve this, an Office of Active Citizenship has been established in my Department and is currently developing a plan to implement the recommendations, following consultations with relevant Government Departments.

The Heads of Departments, in examining the implications of the Taskforce's recommendations, have identified how their existing strategies and programmes take account of the Taskforce recommendations. These are being considered by the Office with a view to presenting an implementation plan to Government over the coming months.

There has been a hugely positive response from both public and private stakeholders in pursuing the active citizenship agenda which I believe will ensure more vibrant, sustainable community life in the years to come. In particular, the Office, which is chaired by Ms. Mary Davis, continues to consult with various business interests in order to encourage greater connectivity to the community through this sector. Building on existing initiatives, there is a significant contribution this sector can make to communities nationwide.

Consultations are also being held with the wider educational sector with particular regard to raising awareness of the potential for service learning and volunteering.