Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

391. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plan to develop a successor to the Strategy for the Community and Voluntary Sector 2019-2024, and to resourcing that strategy to deliver on commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6960/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In August 2019, my Department launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, a five-year whole of government strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The Strategy set a general direction of travel for government policy in relation to the community development, local development and the community and voluntary sectors. The high-level objectives and actions support consultation, inclusion and participation of communities, particularly disadvantaged communities, in public policy and decision-making at all levels.

The strategy was co-produced by Government and representatives from the community development, local development and community and voluntary sectors. This was facilitated through a cross sectoral group (CSG) that oversaw the strategy design process and continues to oversee and monitor its implementation. The CSG also sets priorities in agreeing the annual work plans under the Strategy. It was agreed by the CSG in 2024 to continue with the implementation of the existing Strategy into 2025. The agreed work plan for 2025 is being overseen by the Department.

Together with my colleague, the Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, T.D., I intend to review the implementation of the Strategy over the last five years and to consider options for the development of a successor strategy, including the resources required for its implementation.