1. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 1 The Social Economy in Ireland Michael Quilligan Manager - Social Economy Unit Partas Dublin

2. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 2 Outline of Presentation Partas & the Social Economy Unit Best practice examples Social and economic context in Ireland The nature of the social economy Government policy Practical issues

3. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 3 Partas Based in Tallaght, South West Dublin Community organisation founded in 1984 in response to job losses Facilitating job creation and social inclusion by supporting enterprise development and the social economy

4. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 4 The Social Economy Unit Established in 1997 Providing support to Tallaght organisations in the social economy – supporting organisations – building capacities – developing communities Sharing our knowledge with local development organisations in other areas and seeking to influence policy

5. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 5 Best practice examples Partas Tallaght Childcare Centre H.E.A.T. Westside Markets

6. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 6 Partas Formed in 1984 as Get Tallaght Working 4 enterprise centres, over 50 staff A mix of grants and traded income, €1.8m (stg£1.1m) in 2002 Activities – Enterprise & return-to-work programmes for women – Mentoring & training for entrepreneurs – Marketing, market research & PR consultancy – Social economy development

7. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 7 Tallaght Childcare Centre Community childcare facility 19 staff, full daycare to 43 preschool children Grant subsidies for staff and capital expansion Policies and procedures Fees: €80 (stg£50) per week – approx ½ of commercial rates Admissions policy

8. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 8 H.E.A.T. Heat and Energy Action Tallaght Lobby group on fuel poverty Insulation and energy efficiency business 15 employees Local council housing and building contractors Looking at other environmental activities

9. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 9 Westside Markets Based in Fettercairn, a council housing estate Poor local infrastructure Coffee dock and outdoor market Located in community centre – childcare – drug rehabilitation project – training and meeting facilities

10. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 10 Social and economic context in Ireland Social partnership The Celtic Tiger Low unemployment Free market principles Widening gaps between rich and poor Hidden disadvantage Disadvantage in “communities of interest”

11. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 11 The nature of the social economy A new name, not a new idea Co-operation more common than co- operativism A response to unemployment and disadvantage The nature of public sector service provision

12. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 12 Government policy 1 Community and voluntary sector Arts and community radio IT training and access Childcare Sports and youth facilities Community centres

13. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 13 Government policy 2 The Social Economy Programme – administered by FAS, the national training and employment agency – local working groups – categories of enterprises: deficient demand, community businesses & public sector contractors – eligibility criteria for employees – 3 years funding

14. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 14 Practical issues Leadership Viability & sustainability Labour market interventions/ community development policies? Core funding Public sector service provision Representative/ participative democracy

15. CEDA Conference, Glasgow, 21/3/02 15 Contact details Michael Quilligan Manager – Social Economy Unit Partas Bolbrook Enterprise Centre Avonmore Road Tallaght Dublin 24 Ireland Phone: +353 1 414 5700 Fax: +353 1 414 5799 Email: mquilligan@partas.iemquilligan@partas.ie Web: www.partas.ie