Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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2600. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of social enterprise groups that do not qualify for most Government grants as they do not have charity status; if this can be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19444/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people. Their core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact.

As outlined in the National Social Enterprise Policy, Trading For Impact, launched last July, social enterprises in Ireland do not take any specific form or legal status. According to the baseline data collection exercise on social enterprises in Ireland, published in May 2023, 77% of the 4,335 social enterprises throughout the country are registered as companies limited by guarantee (CLG), with the majority also registered as charities. The new policy commits to further research and analysis on the legal form/status of social enterprises and to publish updated guidance to inform social enterprises of the options regarding company legal form.

In addition, under action 34 of the new policy, my department has commissioned a pilot programme to investigate the challenges and merits of utilising a dedicated administrative voluntary accreditation or ‘quality mark’ for social enterprises. It is expected that this will assess the value of accreditation for further enhancing the recognition and operational framework, and ultimately trading position, of social enterprises across Ireland. Work is underway on this pilot initiative, with the first batch of social enterprises recently receiving verification.

The eligibility criteria for accessing Government grants is set by the individual Departments with responsibility for the grant schemes and programmes. As part of my Department's work under the National Social Enterprise Policy, I am establishing an Advisory Group with representation across Government Departments. The challenges that Social Enterprises encounter in accessing supports will be among the issues for discussion.