Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress to date in advancing and co-ordinating community affairs issues under the Government policy of supporting corporate social responsibility. [22725/04]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 155 together.

My Department's development of CSR in a community and local development context will be facilitated through a range of supports and structures such as partnerships, community development projects and Leader groups. This is an integral element of my Department's strategic objective of assisting communities, especially those suffering disadvantage and social exclusion.

In September 2003 I approved a grant of €105,000 per annum over three years to Business in the Community Ireland, which is a leading organisation in Ireland promoting CSR activity. The grant will assist the organisation in helping the community and voluntary sector enhance its capacity to engage with the corporate sector. The funding will help create an important conduit in facilitating skills transfer from businesses to the community and voluntary sector.

My Department is also working in close co-operation with the chambers of commerce to promote corporate social responsibility. My Department will sponsor the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland annual president's awards in early November with a grant of €20,000. The awards will be dedicated to honouring CSR initiatives and will recognise companies which have invested in the CSR area under the headings of community; workplace; marketplace and environment.