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Job Creation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Ceisteanna (240, 241)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

299 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an overview of the scoping work and initial research conducted into the role of social enterprise in job creation as outlined in action 6.7 of the action plan for jobs. [21375/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

304 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps which he has taken in relation to social enterprise with reference to the below statements from the Labour Party and Fine Gael Manifestos of 2011 county enterprise boards will, be mandated to develop a specific support package for start-up Social Entrepreneurs, Labour Party Manifesto 2011 support for social enterprises to engage in the public procurement and public sector contract opportunities, as is the case in Italy, the UK, and France, A strategy to support the acquisition of assets to community trusts which would assist communities to generate income. An instruction from central Government to State agencies to view social enterprises as important stakeholders in regenerating local economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21551/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 304 together.

The Programme for Government states that: "The Government will promote the development of a vibrant and effective social enterprise sector. We will instruct agencies to view social enterprises as important stakeholders in rejuvenating local economies. We will continue support for social innovation projects for young people through education, community and voluntary structures." To progress this commitment, the Action Plan for Jobs (Action 6.7) includes an undertaking to conduct a report on the potential of social enterprises to create jobs. I have asked Forfás to carry out this work on my behalf.

The project scoping work and initial research has been carried out and has involved discussions with a number of relevant parties, including Scottish Enterprise, Meitheal Mid-West, the Cooperative Development Society, and Dunhill Rural Enterprises Ltd. Further consultation will take place with a wider range of stakeholders. The report will identify the actions required by Government and other relevant bodies and agencies to support job creation in the sector. It will examine mechanisms to capture the demonstration effect of locally driven initiatives already in place to nurture new enterprise and employment, as well as identifying ways to promote and develop social enterprise initiatives. The report will also briefly discuss how social enterprises can contribute to wider policy objectives. I have asked Forfás to complete their work and to report to me by the end of the year.

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