Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 145: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to introduce a national active citizenship theme culminating in a national active citizenship week. [20555/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 146: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to introduce a national presidential citizen awards to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals to society here. [20556/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to undertake an audit of existing community facilities to identify gaps and opportunities for improved use of existing facilities. [20557/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to identify the way better use can be made of schools at evening and weekends to act as community hubs. [20558/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 149: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to introduce a formal citizenship ceremony. [20559/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to strengthen further the relationship between Government and community and voluntary organisations. [20560/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to develop a system of academic accreditation in recognition of volunteering skills. [20561/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 to 151, inclusive, together.

Active Citizenship is a priority area for the Taoiseach evidenced in the fact that he has assigned special responsibility to me to lead this initiative as Minister of State in his Department. Over the coming years, I look forward to working with the various stakeholders in this area of community cohesion and social interaction. Working together, I believe that we can achieve a strong policy and delivery platform for all citizens.

The recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship covered a wide and cross-cutting range of public policy areas specific to a number of Government Departments. The recommendations also relate to the community and voluntary sectors, to business and educational interests and, of course, to individual citizens.

I am currently undertaking a series of meetings with key officials in my own Department and in relevant other Departments to assess the level of progress on implementation to date.

The Deputy will be aware that the timescales for the recommendations will vary in terms of the complexities of consultations required in Departments with their respective stakeholders and in terms of resource issues and detailed planning of initiatives. I am, however, pleased to report that the audit of community facilities has commenced under the direction of Local Authorities and coordinated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Green Paper on Local Government Reform was recently published by Minister Gormley. It seeks to strengthen the links between local government and communities. I intend to progress the Active Citizenship agenda as quickly as possible. I will be assisted in this work by a Steering Group, especially in the areas of public policy, business and the media chaired by Mary Davis. I will guide and support the Active Citizenship Office in the implementation of the recommendations. In the coming months, I look forward to supplying more extensive updates on the important elements of the recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship.