EU must offer greater supports to the Social Economy sector

Liadh Ní Riada has called on the European Commission to enhance its commitment to the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) sector in terms of access to finance and better public procurement policies.

Liadh said:

“The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) refers to organisations and enterprises such as cooperatives, mutual benefit societies and social enterprises which produce goods and services with the objective of providing benefits to members and the community instead of focusing solely on financial profit.

“The SSE plays a positive role in the EU by creating decent jobs and providing benefits for communities. In 2011 the SSE represented approximately 10 per cent of companies and 6 per cent of employment. The Social Economy has been officially recognised by the Parliament and Commission. However, recognition and assistance for the SSE varies among Member States.

“I am calling on the European Commission to enhance its commitment to the SSE by supporting Member States in the provision of assistance to the sector in the form of institutional recognition, access to finance, awareness-raising, and public procurement policies.

“Social Enterprises provide sustainable and robust employment and investment in local economies. The countries with the most stable economies have a strong SSE sector, and I am determined to do all I can at EU level to support the continued growth and development of the Social and Solidarity Economy in Ireland.”