Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. There needs to be flexibility. Many social enterprises are commercial and others are not, but they add something to communities. There must be a recognition beyond their economic value of their social value as well. They deserve equal treatment, including the same level of support and incentives as businesses and non-profits, recognising their dual contribution to the economy and also social cohesion.

I commend the Westport-based company, Education DESTY, with which the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, will be familiar, on its recent win of the award for social enterprise of the year 2024. Education DESTY has meticulously developed a range of resources aimed at supporting educators, parents and children alike. Its programmes are specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of young learners, particularly those grappling with emotional and social challenges. The programmes were created by an educational psychologist, Stephanie O'Malley. I commend Education DESTY on its achievement.

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