Multi-annual funding for voluntary services is proposed by the Government in its White Paper on voluntary activity published yesterday.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, warned that a downside of our high level of economic activity was that it left many with little spare time to give something back to their communities.
"There is a real danger that community spirit and the sense of neighbourly solidarity within communities and across generations is suffering as a result."
The commitment to multi-annual funding will be a move away from the present unsatisfactory and ad-hoc funding schemes the Minister for Social Affairs, Mr Ahern, said.
