Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
786. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to publish a national policy on social enterprise in 2017; the consultations which have taken place to date; the likely timescale for the publication of such a policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1459/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe social enterprise sector in Ireland covers a wide spectrum of activities, which are delivered by a range of organisations, from local community groups fully supported by the State to companies operating on a commercial basis for a social return.
A number of Government Departments currently engage with the social enterprise sector and provide supports through a range of programmes and schemes. These include
- the Community Services Programme managed by Pobal for the Department of Social Protection;
- the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme operated by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government;
- Community Employment schemes;
- the Wage Subsidy Scheme for the employment of people with disabilities;
- LEADER funding; and
- Dormant Accounts funding.
Some social enterprises also benefit from the services provided by the Local Employment Offices.
In order to develop a more co-ordinated approach to the social enterprise sector in Ireland and to maximise its potential, I intend to develop and publish a National Policy on Social Enterprise before end 2017, following consultation with key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments and agencies.
