Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody for their contributions and for all the support they give to social enterprises, both within their communities and throughout the country. I acknowledge the huge role SERI plays in doing exactly that and driving this important element of our community.

The suggestion of awareness campaigns is really positive and is something we can look at. That said, I point to what already exists in terms of the national enterprise hub which is our new online portal that is backed up by a fully staffed call centre. It is there at the end of a phone line or website search to provide that exact information to all companies as well as social enterprises on what they may be eligible for.

Regarding charitable status and commercially non-viable or commercially non-traded organisations, when I got the report from SERI, there were five respondents to its survey who were refused access because their businesses were not considered commercially viable. Obviously, that is five social enterprises we would like to be in a position to support, but it is a small number. We will definitely look at this in respect of the recommendations SERI has provided on improving communication and outreach, which the Deputies have mentioned, and reviewing that support eligibility. It is important, however, to ensure State money is invested in the right way, which is companies that are viable. We have to strike that balance.

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