Voluntary service

The Celtic Tiger, which has improved Irish life in innumerable ways, has also changed the way Irish people view their place in society.

People now feel more pressure on their time and this has negative implications for volunteerism.

December 5 was International Volunteer Day — Irish citizens should be reminded that volunteerism has many societal benefits, including community cohesiveness and a sense of shared responsibility. It should be on everyone’s list of New Year resolutions.