International volunteers for homeless honoured

THE Irish diplomatic corps yesterday honoured the army of international volunteers who work with the homeless in Ireland.

But a recession-driven surge in the numbers of Irish people signing up for full-time volunteer work with the homeless charity has prompted calls for a change in Government policy.

Noleen O’Callaghan, the head of Simon’s volunteering wing, revealed that international volunteers arriving to work full-time in Ireland are officially registered as tourists.