David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses to the meeting. I am hugely supportive of the social economy and the notion of social entrepreneurship. I do not believe it is recognised to the extent it should be in terms of its potential. We would possibly all accept that.

Last year, on behalf of the committee I drafted an economic development strategy for the southeast, much of which was based on consultations and meetings with various groups, including community groups. The issue of social entrepreneurship and the social economy was mentioned by many of the groups and local authority representatives. An issue of particular concern to me was the lack of understanding among the community and local authority representatives of what the social economy means. Perhaps with the establishment of the LEOs consideration could be given to holding information sessions across counties to discuss what is meant by the social economy and social entrepreneurship, including the potential and opportunities in this regard. In terms of social enterprise being part of the remit of the local enterprise offices, property issues may arise. However, the local authorities linking in with NAMA may be of assistance in this regard. A number of local authorities also called for social enterprise business training programmes targeted at those involved in this sector. There is a great deal of work that the local authorities could do through the LEOs, of which I would be supportive.

In recognising the benefits of this sector, we must also accept there is a cost involved. It is important to recognise that this cannot be delivered as a cheap alternative to the State. I would welcome the witnesses view on that. In the North, a package of €80 million by way of the Social Investment Fund is available to communities to progress social economy projects. What funding is made available here? Reference was made by the witnesses in their opening statements to falling revenue from the State and philanthropic organisations. Perhaps the witnesses would elaborate on that shortfall, which would be helpful. They might also update us on the status of the one per cent difference campaign, including take-up and so on.

I am not sure if the witnesses are aware of Communities Creating Jobs and Turning Point are just two of a number of community organisations in the southeast, with whom I have met. What level of interaction do the organisations present have with the many new groups setting up because of the economic situation in which we find ourselves. Perhaps consideration could be given to amalgamation of many of these new community based groups to ensure a more joined up approach in this area. In my view, this would be of benefit.