Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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144. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the level of funding to be provided by his Department in 2022 for the promotion and support of the social enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59935/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As identified in the national Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022, social enterprises have an important role in contributing to meeting the Department’s key policy objectives, particularly in the areas of addressing climate change and sustainability. The Department does not have any schemes that specifically support social enterprises.  However, the Department, to support the effective implementation of its policy objectives, from time to time, puts in place different funding schemes to which social enterprises, as well as other types of organisations, may apply for funding.

Currently there is an open call underway under the Community Climate Action Programme funded by the Climate Action Fund.  The social enterprise sector, as well as other sectors, are eligible to apply for funding under this open call.