Dan Boyle
Question:143 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a significant deterioration in the number of places available on the social economy programme is envisaged for 2003. [22085/02]
Written Answers. - Social Economy Programme.
To date, 324 social economy enterprises, with an employment commitment of around 2,000 grant supported employees, have been approved for full start up grant support under the programme. Of these, 234 have commenced operations employing approximately 1,500 persons. The budget for the social economy programme in 2003 is €30.836 million, an increase from €20.55 million in 2002. This will be sufficient to fund commitments on the projects approved to date but does not allow for the approval of further enterprises. The next year will be a period of consolidation for the programme with a focus on enhancing the sustainability and viability of the established social economy enterprises. A review of the programme is being carried out and this together with the review of the community employment programme will inform the future direction of these initiatives.