7 February 2003

NEW TASK FORCE TO SHAPE THE VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR

Des Browne MP, Minister with responsibility for Social Development, today announced the membership of a new Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector. The Task Force will consider how the sector can continue to make a substantial contribution to the achievement of government objectives and to the well being of civic society.

Welcoming the formation of the new Task Force, the Minister said: "The Task Force will have an important role in shaping the future of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

"In the context of major impending changes to funding programmes, the Task Force will identify action to be taken to ensure that the voluntary and community sector can continue to make a substantial contribution to the achievement of Government objectives and to the well-being of the Northern Ireland community.

"It is satisfying to see the extent of the interest shown in this important initiative. I am thankful to those members who have agreed to sit on the Task Force and look forward to receiving the report on the outcome of their deliberations."

Mr John McGrath, Deputy Secretary in DSD will chair the Task Force.
Mr Dave Wall, Director of the Voluntary and Community Unit and
Mr Seamus McAleavey, Director of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action will be ex-officio members of the Task Force. Other members of the Task Force will be as follows:

Mary Bunting,
Deputy Secretary,
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Paul Cavanagh,
Health Action Zone Manager,
Western Health and Social Services Board

Avila Kilmurray,
Director,
Community Foundation NI

Prof John Morrison,
Professor of Jurisprudence,
Head of Research,
Queen’s University Belfast

John McMullan,
Executive Director,
Bryson House

Peter McNaney,
Chief Executive,
Belfast City Council

Anne O’Reilly,
Director,
Help the Aged NI

Alison Wightman,
Head of Agency,
Community Change

It is anticipated that the Task Force will sit for approximately one year and produce a report for presentation to Des Browne, Minister with responsibility for Social Development.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Task Force will produce a report of its deliberations for presentation to the Minister with responsibility for Social Development.
2. The period of appointment for members will be for approximately one year. There will be no salary payments.
3. The appointed members of the Task Force have declared that they have no political affiliations with the exception of Avila Kilmurray who has, within the last five years, held office with and was engaged in public speaking for the Northern Ireland Woman’s Coalition.

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