Ministers North and South celebrate launch of innovative volunteering initiative

Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development, and John Curran TD Minister of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, today celebrated the launch of three cross border volunteering pilot projects.

The Department for Social Development and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are working in partnership to jointly fund the two year pilot scheme which runs until 2010, at a total cost of approximately £280,000 and aims to increase the number and diversity of volunteers.

The cross border, cross community projects will involve the Church Of Ireland, Voluntary Arts Ireland and the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association using their existing networks to develop their volunteer base, promote community development and help build community cohesion.

Speaking at today’s launch in Downpatrick, Minister Ritchie said: “There is a real need to increase the number and diversity of volunteers. These innovative projects will help to do just that. They are the first of their kind on the island of Ireland.

"I am delighted that the Church Of Ireland, Voluntary Arts Ireland and the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association, in designing their individual projects, have agreed to work together to share best practice from each of their initiatives on a cross community and cross border basis. I commend them for their courage, innovation and leadership.”

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is supporting the project as part of its mission to promote and support the sustainable and inclusive development of communities and alleviate disadvantage.

Minister Curran, addressing the launch said: "This is an innovative project which will contribute to the growing volunteer base on both sides of the border. Volunteering is central to the ideals of democracy, social inclusion and active citizenship. It is also an expression of the individual's involvement in their community. I am particularly pleased to be working with Minister Margaret Ritchie and the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland. I hope this will be the first of many mutually beneficial cross border joint initiatives."

Notes to Editors

1. The pilot scheme is jointly funded on an equal basis by the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland, and the Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the Republic.
2. The Church Of Ireland, Voluntary Arts Ireland and the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association will collaborate to share best practice from each of their initiatives on a cross community and cross border basis, using their existing networks to develop their volunteer base, promote community development and help build community cohesion.
3. GAA projects will work across border counties; Voluntary Arts Ireland will work in Fermanagh, Sligo and Donegal; and Church of Ireland will target areas in Londonderry and Donegal.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.