Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Supporting the role of volunteers in our society is an important element of my Department's work in developing vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities. The Government recognises the importance and worth of every type of volunteering activity, irrespective of its scale or the sector involved. The ongoing and future development of volunteering is key to ensuring that the sector continues to thrive and that we all benefit from the social enrichment that volunteering provides.

The current policy on volunteering is set out in the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity, published in 2000, and the subsequent report by the National Committee on Volunteering, "Tipping the Balance". Much has changed in Irish society since then and we need to ensure that our volunteering policy is fit for purpose to support the sector into the future.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has commenced exploratory discussions with stakeholders on the need to review the current policy and develop a new national vision and action plan for volunteering in Ireland. This will ensure that our volunteering policy meaningfully supports the on-going development of this important sector.

My officials will be reporting to me later this year with recommendations on how a new national strategy should be developed in partnership with the relevant stakeholders.