“I am very happy to have been associated with the Carmichael Centre virtually since its inception in 1988. At that time I was already engaged with a number of voluntary groups in Dublin. The Carmichael Centre provided a remarkable opportunity for such groups to cluster together in a welcoming environment in which efforts could be maximised and a spirit of healthy positive networking was encouraged.

It was my particular privilege to have been invited to cut the ribbon at the "offices" which consisted of some desks, typewriters and personnel outside Dublin Castle as a protest at the proposed eviction from the original premises in Christchurch Place. That imaginative exercise was rewarded with new premises at Carmichael House in North Brunswick Street and I have continued my connection with the Carmichael Centre over the succeeding years. This year I was particularly honoured to be invited to become Patron of the Carmichael Centre. In addition I am very pleased that the dynamism of all those involved with the Carmichael Centre has led to the restoration and return to positive life in the community of a series of historic building in Dublin. This however is incidental to the main purpose of the Carmichael Centre which is to encourage and foster the work of voluntary groups in our society. The Carmichael Centre in Dublin is now the largest such organisation in the island boasting 47 resident members with 100s of associated members throughout Ireland. As I travel all over Ireland I continue to meet with groups who have associations with the Carmichael Centre and who are grateful for the encouragement and practical help they have received. In the current economic crisis it is more than ever important that we rediscover the values of our community and the Carmichael Centre plays a very important role in this.”

Senator David Norris