Sir, - It was recently reported that Mr Jim Kemmy believes "there are too many charities and not enough justice in the country. Mr Kemmy introduces an important point into the debate on the work of charities and voluntary organisations.
Charities and organisations working in the voluntary sector provide a wide range of services for the poor, the homeless, the elderly, the sick, people with disability, young people, the chemically dependent, and a host of others. Charities and voluntary groups provide a different quality of service. Their workers can be more highly motivated, give more time, be more creative, and are less restricted than those tied up in the red tape of public administration. Charities and voluntary groups are in the front line, they are the first to pick on new and urgent needs in society. Charities have an important role in pioneering new initiatives.
Mr Kemmy seems to believe that charity and justice operate on separate tracks. The Judaen Christian tradition would see a strong link between the two. The prophet, Micah, tells us to "act justly and love tenderly". Justice ought to be an important dimension of the work of charities. In taking the justice road we have become increasingly aware of the inadequacies of government response to social problems and the shortcomings of the statutory agencies. When charities keep an eye on justice issues they will inevitably place pressure on government and this will lead to better services for those on the margins of our society.
Any legislation on the establishment and operation of charities ought to encourage networking and co operation between agencies and provide structures for better collaboration between the voluntary and statutory sectors. There is a danger, however, that government suspicion of charities could be construed as their fear of the freedom of charities to expose government inaction and the inadequacies of the statutory sector. - Yours. etc.,
Franciscan Social Justice
Initiatives,
Merchants Quay,
Dublin 8.