In times of adversity, one of our great strengths is our sense of community.
The way in which we care for and protect the most vulnerable in our society is a measure of that strength.
Now, with the threat of the Covid-19 virus, our local and community groups and volunteer helpers are needed now more than ever to ensure that vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours are supported.
Local volunteers can play a crucial role in making sure that homes are warm and weekly shopping is done by keeping in close contact by phone.
In assisting those in need, it is important that all communities and volunteers follow the HSE guidelines and I am pleased to see that social media is playing a positive role in organising local support groups. It should not however become a platform for disinformation.
My Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development, is putting in place arrangements to support communities in helping vulnerable neighbours, such as older people and people with disabilities.
We will be doing so in conjunction with key stakeholders in the community and voluntary sector, including Alone, Age Friendly Network, Volunteer Ireland, Pobal, the Wheel, the Irish Local Development Network, Irish Rural Link and many more.
The 22 Volunteer Ireland Centres around the country will be working to match volunteers with priority tasks within communities.
The Department of Rural and Community Development is chairing an advisory group which is co-ordinating the national response at community and voluntary level.
I acknowledge the support of my ministerial colleague,
Michael Ring TD, for these important initiatives.
Everyone can play their part in providing support and reassurance for all those who live around us.