Ms Deirdre Mortell:

We will think positively. The social innovation fund will be interested in scaling examples that could be similar to those I outlined. Obviously we cannot say what it will do until the fund exists, holds a board meeting and sets criteria. It will scale the best of Irish social innovation and Headstrong would tick those boxes if it came along.

We have learned that in countries that invest in social innovation, particularly where such initiatives hit the cost effectiveness and job creation buttons but also result in improved outcomes for their beneficiaries, they contribute to the economy, not just society. Ireland is one of the very few European countries that have not established one, and we are playing catch-up. The UK has a number of social innovation funds. For example, Inspiring Scotland has a track record-----