Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made towards establishing a structured dialogue process with the community and voluntary pillar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13798/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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In February 2011 the previous Government announced its plans for a structured dialogue between the then Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and the 17 members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar under Social Partnership. The impetus for the dialogue was that, under the Towards 2016 Social Partnership Agreement and the Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009, the Government had committed to engaging with the Community & Voluntary sector to deepen the partnership between statutory bodies and voluntary and community organisations. It was proposed that the dialogue would be undertaken initially on a bilateral basis between the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Community and Voluntary Pillar, and, subject to good progress, other Departments would be invited into the process, to engage on cross-cutting issues.

On 1 May, responsibility for Community affairs transferred to my Department. On 26 May, I announced at The Wheel's annual conference in Dublin that I will honour the commitment to engage in a structured dialogue with the members of the Community & Voluntary Pillar. However, I noted that such dialogue would have to take account of the new Departmental structures and policy context as well as the Government's review of expenditure. In particular, I believe that there is significant scope to enhance the delivery and coordination of services and resources at local level, and in this regard the community sector is a key stakeholder. The dialogue will therefore take account of the community sector's central role and the relationship with the State, local government and local development sectors as well as the other social partner pillar members.