Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate all of the delegations on the work of One Foundation, Ashoka Ireland, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and the extraordinary entrepreneurs in attendance as well as their colleagues in the back. They have had a profound impact on me and my colleagues. A good number of Senators have attended this meeting beyond the committee's number. I am certain we will find ways to respond at various levels, be that in the form of legislation, debates or motions. I thank the delegations for the great contribution they have made today.

I wish to ask two questions, the first of which is on funding. I am aware it is not the only concern, as emphasised by all of our guests. The issue is one of growth capital, which Ms Mortell and others mentioned, and sustainability capital. Will they comment on the opportunities for systematising a way of matching growth capital between philanthropic and State money as it comes in and goes out? I was particularly intrigued by Mr. Coughlan's suggestion on a Department that would be in charge of supporting the development of social entrepreneurship, a matter we have discussed previously.

We are moving towards debating the Bill that will establish SOLAS, which will bring together the areas of further education and training. Yesterday, the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, outlined the various types of pilot funding initiatives that could be found in terms of further education and training. Do social entrepreneurs have access to this funding? Many Departments are funding sources for social enterprise. I am aware of the social innovation fund, the Flannery report and so on, but it is a question of matching growth or sustainability capital as it comes in and goes out. I would welcome comments in this regard.

My second question is on mergers. Ms Casey, Mr. Coughlan and everyone else touched on this subject. I was struck by Ms Casey's comments on a need for mapping in the disability or ability sector. Are our guests developing a template for analysing a mapping of some of the different sectors as a first step towards mergers? It could be helpful.