Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Economy Programme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

128 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects that the recently announced social economy programme will be fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26576/00]

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

160 Mr. Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to provide additional resources to the new social economy programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26651/00]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

173 Mr. Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will expand the social economy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26736/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 160 and 173 together.

The social economy programme was formally launched on 18 September 2000.

The key aims of the social economy programme are to support the regeneration and quality of life of local disadvantaged areas and to maximise employment opportunities for long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged persons.

The programme will support the development and operation of social economy enterprises that provide social services and employment opportunities in and for disadvantaged communities. Financial grants and technical supports are provided for the development of social economy businesses for up to three years. This includes grant support for the development of a business plan.

Local working groups have been established by FÁS in consultation with area partnership companies, in the 38 designated disadvantaged areas to draw up an agreed local strategy for the development of the programme. This includes the identification and prioritisation of new and innovative sectors of work activity where social economy enterprises will support the economic and social regeneration of the locality. The main partners represented on the local working groups include the trade union and employer organisations, area partnership companies, community and voluntary groups, local authorities, health boards, county enterprise boards and farmers' interests.

A national advertisement campaign in regional and local newspapers has been run to promote the programme to community and voluntary groups. A social economy framework document and brochure has been distributed to local FÁS offices. Applications for social economy programme supports are being encouraged at a local level.

The national development plan provides for expenditure of £213 million on the social economy programme over the period 2000-06. It is expected that expenditure in 2001 will be £17 million and it is forecast to rise to £41 million per annum as the demand for the programme increases.

Question No. 129 taken with Question No. 83.

Question No. 130 taken with Question No. 101.