Volunteering Ireland

Intent: The submission highlighted that many of the actions contained in the current strategy are positive but were not delivered or implemented. Cross-departmental ownership of this strategy is key to ensuring that more actions are delivered. Actions need to be more easily measurable to assess progress for all stakeholders. Actions should be clear and specific. An evaluation plan should be created at the onset of the strategy. The strategy should be adequately funded.

Methods: Submission

Intent: Submission in advance of Budget 2026 requesting an increase in funding to Volunteer Ireland and Volunteers centres across the country; funding for the Community Volunteers Programme on a permanent basis, continue funding to support International Protection Applicants and displaced Ukrainians, funding for volunteer involving organisations to support their volunteer programmes and funding to support the international volunteer year 2026.

Methods: Email

Intent: Met with Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State for Community Development, Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands to discuss the important role of volunteering in our communities.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: Inclusion of support for and investment in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Statement of Strategy 2025 - 2028

Methods: Submission

Intent: Met with Colm Brophy TD Minister of State for Migration to discuss volunteering as a tool for migration integration and social inclusion .

Methods: Meeting

Intent: Wrote a letter to Jerry Buttimer TD Minister of State for Community Development, Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands requesting a meeting to highlight the importance of volunteering in our communities.

Methods: Letter

Intent: Wrote a letter to Peter Burke Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment requesting a meeting to discuss volunteering and employment.

Methods: Letter

Intent: Wrote a letter to Dara Calleary TD Minister for Social Protection, Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Department of Rural and Community Development requesting a meeting to brief the Minister on volunteering and the power of volunteering to support sustainable and inclusive communities.

Methods: Letter

Intent: Wrote a letter to Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health requesting a meeting to discuss volunteering and health and the need for research on the impact of volunteering on health.

Methods: Letter

Intent: Wrote a letter to Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy TD, requesting a meeting to highlight Volunteering as a Tool for Migration and Social Inclusion and how volunteering can help achieve the strategic priorities of his department.

Methods: Letter