Why risk everything to serve your community?

ONE must give a cautious welcome to any report that finally calculates the sum that the voluntary sector saves the State — €450 million.

This is a conservative estimate that overlooks the benefits provided by many groups such as those who provide local festivals, residents’ associations, organise St Patrick’s Day parades, protect our environment or heritage locally, or produce parish books and local histories for generations to come.

As one who spends almost one-third of his waking hours doing voluntary or community work, I was shocked at the recommendation made by the joint Dáil Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs as to how they think they can improve my life as a volunteer.