Dublin, 26 May 2011: The Wheel, a national umbrella body representing 916 community, voluntary and charitable organisations, today called on Government to directly involve the not-for-profit sector in the reform of public services.

 

Speaking at a national conference for the not-for-profit sector at Croke Park, Deirdre Garvey Chief Executive of The Wheel said: “Government should engage in a dialogue with the non-for-profit sector to help design more cost-effective and people-centred public services.”

 

Ms. Garvey added that the new Programme for Government acknowledges the “vital role of the community and voluntary sector working in partnership with local communities, State agencies and local authorities” and it outlines the intentions to “open up the delivery of public services to a range of providers”.

 

“Ireland’s not-for-profit sector has a long track record of providing innovative and cost-effective solutions in areas such as health-care, education and housing. We invite the Government to draw on the experience and expertise of the community and voluntary sector by establishing a structured dialogue between the State and the not-for-profit sector” said Ms. Garvey.

 

She said that there is now a need for structured dialogue between the State and the Not-for-Profit Sector. “We invite the Government to draw on the experience and expertise of Ireland’s 7,500 charities by establishing a new structured dialogue process wit the not-for-profit sector.”

 

“If we want to have European levels of public services, we will have to increase the tax take nearer to European levels, and find more cost-effective ways of delivering services. I believe that this can be achieved through a renewed partnership between government and the not-for-profit sector,” said Ms. Garvey.

 

The conference, Innovating For Good, was organised by The Wheel and is sponsored by Microsoft, Total Fundraising and supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

 

 

Deirdre Garvey, Chief Executive of The Wheel is available for interview. Contact Gert Ackermann on Tel: 086 176 9287, (01) 454 8727 or email gert@wheel.ie.

 

The Wheel is a national support and representative organisation for community, voluntary and charitable groups. It provides a wide range of information and support services, advice and training to individuals and organisations involved in community and voluntary activity. It is also a representative organisation promoting both its members’ and the wider sector’s interests. The Wheel is registered charity (no. 13288) and a company limited by guarantee. www.wheel.ie.

 

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