South Dublin County Council’s sixth annual Social Inclusion Week was jointly launched by the Minister for Social Protection and the council’s mayor last week.
Speaking at the launch of the week, which is aimed at reducing exclusion, poverty and inequality, Minister Joan Burton said: “It is very encouraging to see the positive work that is being done to highlight and promote social inclusion and poverty initiatives at local community level.”
She added: “I believe that everyone should be able to experience full and equal participation in society and I commend all of the participating agencies for organising the wonderfully diverse programme of activities planned for the next fifteen days”
The initiative, which runs till 21 November, will feature a range of events and activities to celebrate and highlight the work being undertaken by South Dublin County Council and other public, private and community organisations in attempting to reduce poverty and social exclusion and to raise awareness of related issues.
“As 2011 has been designated as the European Year for Volunteering, it is fitting that South Dublin County Council has recognised this by choosing volunteering as the theme for this Social Inclusion Week,” said Minister Burton.
“Volunteers make a valuable contribution to the well-being of our communities and I am delighted to see so many local volunteers present here today.
“You see what the problems are and you are an integral part of identifying solutions”.
