Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Departmental Expenditure

10:00 am

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 414: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of funding the work of the taskforce on active citizenship in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29477/10]

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 415: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings the steering group for the taskforce on active citizenship has held each year in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29478/10]

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 414 and 415 together.

As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for progressing the active citizenship agenda was transferred from the Department of the Taoiseach to my Department in May 2010. My Department will be supported in its role by the Steering Group on Active Citizenship, chaired by Ms Mary Davis, which is working to develop community engagement and encourage greater levels of civic-minded activities by citizens who are committed to making a positive difference within their communities.

Overall, I welcome the integration of this work into my Department, which will complement our ongoing efforts to encourage voluntary activity and community development. I met with Ms Davis recently to discuss how we can quickly progress the agenda, and I am looking forward to a productive engagement with the Steering Group into the future.

With regard to the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I understand from the Department of the Taoiseach that the cost of funding the work of the Task Force on Active Citizenship for the past five years was as follows:

2006 €274,839

2007 €111,835

2008 €5,365

2009 €17,003

2010 Nil to date

The Steering Group has met five times since its appointment in October 2008 – once in 2008 and four times in 2009.

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