Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the recommendations of the task force on active citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7776/11]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will report on her role in the implementation of the recommendations of the task force on active citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6579/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 31 together.

The Taskforce on Active Citizenship was established by Government in 2006 to review the evidence regarding trends in citizen participation across the main areas of civic, community, cultural, occupational and recreational life in Ireland. Following a consultation process, the Taskforce compiled a set of recommendations to enhance active citizenship in Ireland. The main recommendations relate to increasing participation in the democratic process; improving the interaction between the citizen and state institutions at local and national level, measures to promote a greater sense of community and community engagement; further education on the issues around active citizenship; and measures that provide increased opportunities for the inclusion of ethnic and cultural minorities in an increasingly diverse society.

In March 2007 the work of the Taskforce was successfully completed with the acceptance in principle by Government of the Taskforce recommendations. In 2008, the Government appointed a Steering Group on Active Citizenship to advise on the implementation of the Taskforce recommendations. My Department, in carrying out its role in relation to active citizenship, is supported by the Steering Group, whose members have a wealth of experience of working to develop community engagement.

The Government, for its part, continues to work with communities and organisations to highlight and promote the importance of increasing civic engagement by citizens, including voluntary and philanthropic activities that strengthen the fabric of community life across Ireland. I believe that a strong, vibrant community infrastructure is vital in order to maximise our potential to provide a better quality of life for all, despite the significant economic challenges that we now face.

My Department is also playing an active role in promoting the European Year of Volunteering 2011, in conjunction with Volunteering Ireland, the national coordinating body for the Year. Central to the Year is the concept of active citizenship, of which volunteering is just one part. At EU level, Ireland has been to the forefront of identifying active citizenship as a policy area which needs to be addressed and strengthened.

Progressing the recommendations of the Taskforce is a matter for several Departments, as well as my own. I am pleased that a number of the recommendations have been advanced to date, including the following: - Audits of existing community facilities have been completed and appropriate arrangements are being made by local authorities to make them available at local level. - The Taskforce recommended the strengthening of local civic participation, which informed the preparation of the Green Paper on Local Government. The White Paper, which was subsequently produced, is now being considered in the light of the Government's aims and priorities. - The Department of Education and Skills has encouraged schools to make their premises available for community use. In addition, a scheme funded under the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage Fund) is enabling the 22 DEIS Band 1 schools in Limerick City to open after school hours to maximise community use of school premises and facilities. There are approximately 200 after-school activities running in all 22 schools. - At second level senior cycle, the NCCA (National Council for Curriculum Assessment) is developing a syllabus for a full optional exam subject called 'Politics and Society' as an extension of the current Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) subject in Junior Cycle, which currently gives students practical experience of active citizenship. - In relation to the adult education sector, a range of Further and Adult Education programmes are geared towards enabling participants to contribute more fully to the social, cultural and economic life of this country, through education and information courses.

Active citizenship was a key theme of the Social Inclusion Week arranged by local authorities late last year as part of the Irish national programme of activities supporting the EU Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010. My Department also supported an all-island conference on "Combating Rural Poverty and Social Exclusion". In this regard, the Steering Group liaised with my Department and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and advised on active citizenship awareness around the country.