Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Costello. Although I do not have the filial bias of Senator Moran, Senator van Turnhout and I agree that she has certainly hit the ground running. Senator van Turnhout apologises but as she has indicated, she had to return to her committee, although she will be in touch if she is unable to return to raise her own question. I am most impressed with the way Ms Costello, has already outlined the work she has taken on in such a strategic and comprehensive fashion.

I am delighted and thrilled to hear about her commitment to and vision for what is called "a binding social pact", as she noted in her conclusion. There was also mention of the importance of identifying the objectives of a regulatory and monitoring framework in that regard, which is absolutely crucial. I have been trying to identify the importance of this at an Irish level because of the all-consuming focus on the economy, which is necessary to certain degree. I know Senator van Turnhout and perhaps others in my group would be very keen to know a little more about the subject and are committed to working on it at a European level.

Senator Moran and others welcomed the appointment of Ms Costello as rapporteur for the draft EU regulation to establish an EU fund for European aid to the most deprived. She noted the importance of the fund being implemented through dialogue or shared management with NGOs and public bodies as partner organisations. Many of us were present when former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, gave a public address in DCU a number of months ago on the frontiers of human rights. One of the key conclusions of the speech suggested that a human rights approach must initiate a strategic dialogue with civil society in the context of developing countries. It may be interesting to consider the idea.

I welcome the remarks of Ms Costello and the commitment of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, with regard to the social investment package being developed in the European context. With regard to what is currently ongoing, that social investment largely means social protection, which is good. Recently, the Seanad had a third public consultation planning for social change and innovation. There were a number of groups before it, including Change Nation, Ashoka and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, representing their views. In that context, I understand there has been some lobbying and encouragement for the development of a social innovation fund within the European budget. Has there been any movement in that regard?

The European Union has recognised the significance of the social innovation sector with entrepreneurship, which has been identified by the Commission as one of the 12 levers to boost growth, strength and confidence, revitalising the Single Market. We can conclude, as a Seanad having listened to the evidence of those incredible organisations operating in Ireland and throughout Europe, that if there is investment in social innovation, it would help stem the tide of poverty and create employment for our youth. Is there a possibility that the social innovation funding will come about?