From Department of Rural and Community Development
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Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, has confirmed government agreement on a set of Values and Principles to underpin work with the Community and Voluntary Sector.
The Minister made the announcement while speaking at a conference hosted by The Wheel in Croke Park.
The agreement copper-fastens the renewed relationship and partnership between government and the community and voluntary sectors.
The values and principles, developed by the sector with the Department of Rural and Community Development, will be used by central and local government as a basis for their interactions with the community and voluntary sector in pursuit of the best outcomes for all.
Minister O’Brien said:
“I am really pleased to say that the adoption of shared Values and Principles will help secure a renewed partnership between government and the community and voluntary sectors. The objective of the values and principles is to provide a coherent framework, based on a common understanding and respect between the state and the community and voluntary sector. It will support consultation, inclusion and participation of communities, particularly disadvantaged communities, in public policy and decision-making at all levels.”
The values and principles were warmly welcomed by all government departments and will now be championed by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
While an agreed draft is now available at www.gov.ie/drcd, the department will formally publish and launch the document shortly.
Thereafter the department will seek to ensure the recognition and implementation of the values and principles in a coherent and meaningful manner across departments and state agencies.
This initiative forms part of a range of measures being undertaken by the department to support the community and voluntary sector, and to empower thriving, sustainable communities across Ireland.
Other notable actions include the publication of the General Scheme for the Charities (Amendment) Bill in April 2022, which aims to improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions. It will also ensure more proportionate regulation leading to greater public trust and confidence in the charities sector.
The recent establishment of The National Advisory Group on the Development of a Government Policy on Philanthropy in Ireland will also support the sector.
Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: the 5-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland sets out a long-term vision for our communities in Ireland. It sets a general direction of travel for government policy in relation to the community development, local development and the community and voluntary sectors for the coming decade. The Strategy was co-produced by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Central and Local Government colleagues, and the community and voluntary sectors.