Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
597. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has carried out an assessment of the potential to grow both commercial and social enterprises in developing networks to support the circular economy transformation; and if new initiatives are planned in this arena. [50445/23]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment is responsible for broader enterprise policy and its White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, confirms that social enterprises are an important and growing part of Ireland’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, creating jobs and stimulating local economic activity.
Falling under my Department’s policy responsibility, social enterprises operate a ‘profit for purpose’ business model. They work primarily to improve social, economic and environmental impact and the lives of people, with any surpluses generated re-invested into achieving their core objectives. They frequently work to support disadvantaged groups, or to address issues such as food poverty, housing, or environmental matters.
Social enterprises are playing an increasing role in the circular economy, as recognised in the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022-2023. The Department of Climate, Energy and Communications has confirmed it is developing a successor Circular Economy strategy and my officials will engage with that Department in that regard.
The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme, launched in 2021 by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications supports circular economy projects by SMEs and social enterprises. Social enterprises, including those focusing on circular economy can avail of a variety of funding opportunities through my Department. For example, the Social Enterprise Scaling up fund provided €1.4 million to 19 social enterprises in 2023.
My Department is currently finalising a new National Social Enterprise Policy to cover the years 2024-2027. One of the proposed pillar themes within that policy is climate action including the circular economy. A public consultation on the new policy launched in December 2023 is open until the end of January and can be accessed on the Department’s website. The consultation document signals Government’s intent to develop further opportunities for social enterprises to deliver on Government climate action targets, and facilitate the inclusion of social enterprises in relevant support schemes related to the circular economy.
