Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Coughlan and Ms Gallagher for their presentations. I agree with Mr. Coughlan that entrepreneurs get this because social entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs with social goals. However, the enterprise boards do not get it. I have approached them in regard to a social enterprise. They continue to see enterprise as they always did. Would Mr. Coughlan be willing to brief them? So long as there is a narrow view of enterprise, the social impact and societal good will be lost.

It was stated that credit unions are not permitted to fund social enterprise. That is not quite true. Credit unions provide support for Leader projects. Much depends on how a project is presented. Currently, credit unions provide matching funding for Leader projects. There is an avenue therein that might be worth looking at. I would welcome the delegates' comment on whether they have any experience in this area through Leader. There is a problem in terms of Leader and the multi-annual financial framework. The next EU multi-annual financial framework is for 2014-2020. As such, existing Leader funding is probably allocated and by the time the next round is available, it will probably be 2015, which means there will be a gap of two years. Perhaps the delegates will comment on that matter. I am aware of a social enterprise requiring this funding.

I congratulate Women for Election on its award. I also congratulate Social Entrepreneurs Ireland for recognising the value of Women for Election. Ms Gallagher referred to policy, power, priorities and process. I believe women bring a difference to perspective in a way that influences those four areas. I do not and never have believed in quotas only. I support them but do not really believe in them. For women to make a difference in politics we need a cultural change. I note the proposed use of quotas to bring about that cultural change. Cultural acceptance is important.

Women for Election is doing great work around helping women trying to get into politics for the first time. What is it doing around women already in politics who are also experiencing barriers? We are all only as good as our last election.