Menu
29/05/2007
Richie praises voluntary and community sector
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today praised the contribution of the voluntary and community sector to making Northern Ireland a better place to live.
Opening the latest meeting of the Joint Government & Voluntary and Community Sector Forum, the Minister applauded another year of partnership. She said: "The Joint Forum provides a valuable role in developing the engagement between sector and government and I wish to see that engagement working to the greatest effect."
Outlining her priorities as Minister for Social Development, Minister Ritchie referred to the changes facing the sector. She said: "We are living in a time of change and reform. Government and public services are being transformed. The private sector also. The voluntary and community sector needs to accept and embrace significant change if its contribution is to be refreshed and sustained.
"Over the coming weeks and months I will work with my officials to establish how this administration will address the issues facing the sector, and I will wish to discuss this with the Joint Forum in due course."
The Joint Chairs of the Forum are Maurice Leeson of Barnardo's and Seamus Murray from the Voluntary and Community Unit in the Department for Social Development. The Forum is composed of representatives from a wide range of voluntary and community sector organisations and from all government departments.
(JM/KMcA)
Opening the latest meeting of the Joint Government & Voluntary and Community Sector Forum, the Minister applauded another year of partnership. She said: "The Joint Forum provides a valuable role in developing the engagement between sector and government and I wish to see that engagement working to the greatest effect."
Outlining her priorities as Minister for Social Development, Minister Ritchie referred to the changes facing the sector. She said: "We are living in a time of change and reform. Government and public services are being transformed. The private sector also. The voluntary and community sector needs to accept and embrace significant change if its contribution is to be refreshed and sustained.
"Over the coming weeks and months I will work with my officials to establish how this administration will address the issues facing the sector, and I will wish to discuss this with the Joint Forum in due course."
The Joint Chairs of the Forum are Maurice Leeson of Barnardo's and Seamus Murray from the Voluntary and Community Unit in the Department for Social Development. The Forum is composed of representatives from a wide range of voluntary and community sector organisations and from all government departments.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
