July 24th, 2015
The Social Enterprise Task Force (SETF) has welcomed the announcement that Minister Ann Phelan, TD has been assigned responsibility for Social Enterprise. The work will involve implementation of commitments in the Programme for Government and the recommendations of a recent Forfás Report on the sector.
The SETF, comprising a range of groups committed to the development of social enterprise in Ireland, said its looks forward to the early reconvening of the Interdepartmental Group on Social Enterprise to work on promoting a range of initiatives.
SETF spokesperson, Paul O’Sullivan said that, following the government’s announcement last month of €1 million for certain social enterprise initiatives, “the appointment of a dedicated Minister represents a further opportunity to develop the potential of the sector to deliver sustainable jobs and community development.
“We look forward to working positively with the new Minister and the Interdepartmental Group to assist in the roll-out of specific initiatives and proposals, many of which do not require financial input,” Paul O’Sullivan said.
ENDS
For further information on this media release, please contact:
John Gallagher
John Gallagher Consulting
Tel. 087 9369888
NOTE to Editors:
The Social Enterprise Task Force (SETF) was established in 2009 to promote social enterprise as a vibrant part of the Irish economy. The SETF represents a number of organisations active in the social enterprise and social entrepreneurship sector:
- Ballyhoura Development
- Clann Credo – the Social Investment Fund
- Dunhill Rural Enterprises Ltd
- Irish Social Enterprise Network
- Partas
- Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
- Social Finance Foundation
- South Dublin Community Partnership
- Speedpak Ltd
- The Wheel.
Useful Resources:
Forfás Report on Social Enterprise:
Social Enterprise in Ireland: Sectoral Opportunities ... - Forfás
Commitment in Programme for Government (page 14):
Social Enterprise:
“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.”
