Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will approve a proposal by a company (details supplied) to establish a programme for economic self-reliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30188/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I have not directly received a proposal from Dunhill Rural Enterprises Ltd., but I understand that the organisation has developed a model for the creation of jobs in small local communities through the establishment of networks of micro-enterprises. Given the scale of our unemployment problem, I believe that all sectors of society have a role to play in addressing job creation in the economy – Government, the business sector and the community sector. This is recognised in the Action Plan for Jobs, which sets out a series of actions to support local initiatives undertaken by enterprises and by communities.

The Action Plan includes a commitment to conduct a report on the potential of social enterprises to create jobs. The report will identify the actions required by Government and other relevant bodies and agencies to support the creation of jobs in the sector. It will examine potential initiatives in the area, and will set out recommendations for the sector. Forfas is carrying out this work on my behalf. The project scoping work and initial research has involved discussions with a number of relevant parties, including Dunhill Rural Enterprises Ltd. I have asked Forfas to complete their work and to report to me by the end of the year.