Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Economy Programme.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

150 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the status of the social economy programme; and her plans for the programme in 2003 in terms of numbers of projects approved, total cost of the programme and role of the programme in funding core staffs of vital community projects. [21494/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahy)

The budget for the social economy programme in 2002 is €20.55 million. To date, 324 social economy enterprises have been approved for full start up grant support under the programme. Of these, 230 have commenced operations employing approximately 1,500 persons. The 2003 budget for the programme is being addressed in the context of the Estimates process, which will be concluded shortly.