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Minister stresses the important role of Social Enterprises as part of the post-Covid economic and social recovery
Heather Humphreys, TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development , today, International Social Enterprise Day, opened Ireland’s Second National Conference on Social Enterprise. The theme of the conference was ‘Shaping a Sustainable, Inclusive Recovery’ which was attended by more than 600 delegates.
Opening the Conference, Minister Humphreys said :
“On behalf of the Government, I want to begin by recognising the resilience shown by the Social Enterprise Community since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond a shadow of a doubt you have proven your value and dedication to the communities in which you serve.”
The Minister continued :
“I know that as businesses for social good, many of you adapted to the needs of your local areas, as part of your contribution to the Community Call.”
“2021 most certainly will be the year of the recovery. That recovery must focus not just on our economy, but on our society and our environment too. And I know our Social Enterprises will not only be part of that recovery – you will be significant drivers of it.”
“We have an opportunity to shape a more inclusive and sustainable Ireland, which benefits everyone. Social Enterprises have the experience and the passion to make this happen, but we need to raise awareness about what they are and what they do. We all have a role to play in raising awareness about this unique business model and I want to encourage everyone to think about how you all can support this effort.”
Key Speakers at the Conference :
The Conference brought together a wide range of national and international speakers representing the full spectrum of social enterprise activity in Ireland. Minister Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development delivered the keynote address, reflecting on progress in implementing the National Social Enterprise Policy 2019 – 2022. Other key speakers at the conference include John Evoy, General Manager of Social Enterprise ‘Grow Remote’; Antonella Noya, Head of Social Economy and Innovation, OECD; Sarah Farrelly, Senior Legal Manager, TrustLaw / Thompson Reuters Foundation; Siobhán Cafferty, Social Enterprise Project Manager (DoJ&E), Mary Fogarty (Loughmore Cottage, Tipperary) , and Helen Nolan (Spraoi & Sport, Donegal). A Legal Form Guide for Social Enterprises, developed by Trust Law, was launched at the event
Social Enterprises
Social enterprises are businesses whose core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Like other businesses, social enterprises pursue their objectives by trading in goods and services on an ongoing basis. However, surpluses generated by social enterprises are re-invested into achieving the core social objectives.
They frequently work to support disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, travellers, etc., or to address issues such as food poverty, social housing, or environmental matters.
National Policy
Ireland’s first National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022 was launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development on 18 July 2019, with the objective of creating an enabling environment for social enterprise to grow and contribute more fully to Ireland’s social and economic progress.
The Policy is focused on three main objectives:
1. Building Awareness of Social Enterprise
2. Growing and Strengthening Social Enterprise
3. Achieving Better Policy Alignment
The National Social Enterprise Conference 2020
The holding of an annual Social Enterprise Conference is one of the commitments made in the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022 to allow stakeholders to share best practice, inform policy implementation and future social enterprise policy development.
The theme of the conference is “Shaping a Sustainable, Inclusive Recovery”.
Social enterprises ‘We Play’ and ‘My Mind’ told their stories through videos at the conference. ‘We Play’ is a social enterprise that provides innovative ways to encourage children to participate in physical activities and ‘My Mind’ is a social enterprise working to provide community based access to mental health care services early, affordably and without stigma.
Social enterprise ‘Musicantia’ provided a welcome musical interlude in the packed agenda.