Community groups urge Govt to strengthen social ties

An organisation representing 22,000 voluntary groups is appealing to the Government to work with them towards economic recovery.

A conference in Dublin today hosted by the Irish National Community and Voluntary Forum will hear calls for social solidarity to underpin all Government and private sector decisions.

Chairperson Tom McGettrick said: "Community groups can contribute to a strong civil society even in the face of the challenges brought by the recession."