New Office to promote community involvement
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
The Government has approved the setting up of an Office for Active Citizenship, following the publication of a report into how people could be encouraged to play a greater role in Irish society.
Among the recommendations of the Taskforce for Active Citizenship are the establishment of an independent electoral commission to encourage greater participation in the democratic process.
The report was launched by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, at Government Buildings today.
Others recommendations include formal citizenship ceremonies to welcome newcomers to Ireland and greater use of schools around the country so they can be used as 'community hubs' in the evenings and during weekends.
The Taskforce Chairperson, Mary Davis, will also chair the new office's steering group. It will be set up initially for a three year period and report directly to the Taoiseach.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Davis, said today's report provided a vision of what it meant to be an active citizen. She appealed to people to give 1% of their free time to participation in community activity outside the home.
Ms Davis also said corporate and business sectors had a role to play in developing and encouraging active citizenship.
