Audited Accounts of Scouting Ireland The Annual Report of the Scout Foundation
[Circulated in advance] [Circulated in advance]
6. Opening Thoughts and Addresses The Chief Scout welcomed Pat Rabbitte TD, Minister for Communication and all delegates. National Council noted a visual presentation of Annual Report 2011 Address from Minister Pat Rabbitte TD “I’m genuinely delighted to be here this morning and on behalf of the government to say thank you to each of you and your colleagues for giving of your time so generously to our young people, as our country needs now. Thank you for over 100 years of service. Since the formation of the new Scouting Ireland in 2004, I’m told by the Chief Scout, your numbers have grown to be the largest on the island. I think this isn’t widely known and Scouting Ireland needs to assert itself as an authentic voice for young people. Such organisations should have a higher profile in the youth work world. This may be partly due to the somewhat outdated image of bob‐a‐job and old men in short trousers. I can see that the short trousers are gone, although I have seen Dermot Lacey around the office in shorts. For child protection reasons bob‐a‐job is gone, but the spirit of service remains. What is Scouting today? What makes it different, what made thousands join over the years? The principles, the fun and friendship, the challenge since 1907, have managed to ensure Scouting remains the largest voluntary youth movement in the world. My own criticism might be that you do not tell that story loudly enough. Young People do their best when they are rewarded for achieving their best. Minister Quinn recently launched a SUAS initiative, comparable to ONE Programme. There is nothing politicians love more than a one programme. Scouting is to the enormous benefit of the young people with whom you engage. The approaching JamOige and Stradbally could tie in the government initiative of The Gathering. I wish you every success for the coming year and your deliberations today. Thank you for your invitation. Your welcome represents the strong Spirit of Scouting.” The Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick presented Minister Rabbitte with a thank you gift.
7. Appointment of Tellers The National Secretary introduced the voting tellers for appointment. Chief Tellers
Alan Palmer Bill James Brendan McNicholas Page 2 of 25
