Written answers
Tuesday, 7 December 2021
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Social Enterprise Sector
Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of funding to be provided by her Department in 2022 for the promotion and support of the social enterprise sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59946/21]
Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the coordination of the implementation of the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022 is primarily a matter for the Department of Rural and Community Development.
I am advised that Údarás na Gaeltachta, which comes under the aegis of my Department, delivers a number of programmes that support the Social Enterprise Sector. Details of these programmes and funding provided in 2021 are set out in the table below. It is anticipated that a similar level of funding in the order of €3m will be allocated to these activities in 2022.
| Name of Scheme | Funding provided in 2021 | Brief description of Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Core Funding for Community Development Organisations | €2,816,000 | Údarás na Gaeltachta provides core funding and support services to 33 Community Co-Operatives and Community Development Organisations throughout the Gaeltacht. The funding is allocated based upon agreed annual development plans. Údarás recognises the important role of the development organisations in local development and in assisting with the implementation of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Development Strategy 2021 – 2025. |
| Gaeltacht Social Enterprise Fund (Scéim Tacaíochta do Thograí Fiontraíocht Shóisialta na Gaeltachta | €179,000 | This was a new support programme that commenced in 2021. The programme was aimed at assisting development organisations in planning and developing social enterprises in their local areas. The programme has proved to be very successful and is proposed to allocate additional funding for 2022. This programme will be specifically aimed at supporting social enterprises covering different sectors including the digital economy, blue economy, social services, tourism, renewable/green energy, natural resource development, culture and language. |
| Mentoring and Consultancy | €105,000 | This support programme was initiated in 2021 and a fund of €105,000 was allocated. The support programme was aimed at providing mentors and consultants to community organisations to assist them in addressing specific needs in relation to the development of their work, such as mentoring in sectors such as finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Business Planning. It is planned to provide similar support in 2022. |
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