Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Economy Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

61 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on the uptake of the social economy programme; the expectations to the end of 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9485/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

There has been considerable interest in the social economy programme since its launch in September 2000. To date, there have been 575 applications received from community and voluntary groups for business plan grant support. A total of 446 business plan grants have been approved. There have also been 173 social economy businesses approved for full grant funding. These comprise grant contributions towards the recruitment of a manager and employees, training, capital, accountant and auditor services and overheads.

The social economy enterprises approved are located both in urban and rural areas around the country. There are several examples where complementary supports from other programmes have been sourced which will help enhance the viability of the social economy enterprise. A total of 115 social economy enterprises had commenced operations by the middle of March 2002. These employ 556 grant supported employees. The range of activity which enterprises have been approved for includes management of community facilities, cultural and heritage services, transport services for the disabled, community child care and parental support, support services for the elderly and recycling services.

In relation to the expectations to the end of 2002 the budget for the social economy programme for 2002 is €20.5 million. In addition to the 115 enterprises, which have commenced operations, there are a further 60 enterprises which have been approved for start up funding and are due to commence operations over the next few months. In line with the budget available for the year FÁS regions will then be considering the number of current business plan proposals which may be approved for full grant start up. Such business plans will be assessed by the local working groups and then FÁS on the basis of the objectives set out in the social economy programme framework document, programme guidelines and criteria, locally agreed priorities and the funding available. FÁS will also seek to ensure a balanced regional uptake.