Minister Ring Launches Public Consultation on National Policy on Social Enterprise
Mr. Michael Ring, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, today announced the publication of a draft National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland for public consultation, seeking the views of stakeholders and the public to inform the policy.
The Policy, which is underpinned by research, consultation and the Irish experience of Social Enterprise, will complement the Action Plan to Support the Community and Voluntary Sectors in Ireland, and the new National Volunteering Strategy, both of which are also being developed by the Department.
Making the announcement today, Minister Ring said:
“Social enterprises make a valuable contribution to the economic and social progress of Ireland through the creation of jobs and through the delivery of a range of services in areas such as homecare, employment activation, hospitality, catering, retail, environmental services, and social housing to name but a few.”
The Minister continued:
“However, social enterprises in Ireland have not yet reached their full potential for a number of reasons, including the absence of a clear policy framework to support their development. A lack of understanding of what social enterprises are, and what they do, has also contributed to a general lack of awareness of social enterprise in Ireland and has made the collection of reliable data on their social and economic impact difficult. ”
The draft policy is focused on three Objectives:
- Building Awareness of Social Enterprise
- Growing and Strengthening Social Enterprise
- Achieving Better Policy Alignment.
Responses will inform the preparation of the National Policy on Social Enterprise.
The closing date for submissions is Tuesday, 14 May 2019.
How to Participate
The recommended means of response is by email to: SEConsultation@drcd.gov.ie.
Alternatively, responses can be posted to:
Social Enterprise Policy Consultation,
Department of Rural and Community Development,
Trinity Point,
10-11 Leinster Street South,
Dublin 2,
D02 EF85
Please include full contact details and the name of the organisation or entity you are responding on behalf of, if relevant.
Submissions should be as concise as possible but in any event should not exceed 10 pages. Any submissions received after the closing date of 14 May 2019 may not be considered.
Responses will inform the preparation of the National Policy on Social Enterprise.
Any submissions received may be published on the Department’s website.