Minister unveils toolkits to boost social enterprise trade
New resources have been introduced to enhance collaboration between public sector buyers and social enterprises across Ireland. The initiative aims to foster social, economic, and environmental benefits through responsible public procurement practices.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister of State for Communities, Jerry Buttimer TD, officially launched two new Social Procurement Toolkits at a Dublin event on 13 October 2026, aimed at strengthening trade links between public buyers and social enterprises. The gathering, supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht alongside Pobal, brought together representatives from government departments, local authorities, state agencies, education bodies, and social enterprises to promote procurement that delivers broad social value beyond mere cost considerations.
These toolkits form a key part of the Government’s Trading for Impact policy, Ireland’s National Social Enterprise Policy, which focuses on boosting social enterprise involvement in public and private procurement to enhance their financial sustainability. The Social Enterprise Toolkit offers practical guidance to support social enterprises in navigating procurement processes, while the Public Buyer Toolkit assists public sector buyers in engaging effectively with social enterprises to maximise community and environmental benefits.
Minister Buttimer emphasised the vital role social enterprises play in creating employment, supporting local economies, and advancing sustainability. He highlighted the synergy between Trading for Impact and the National Public Procurement Strategy, both of which seek to optimise the social, economic, and environmental returns on public expenditure. The event also featured contributions from the Office of Government Procurement and other stakeholders, fostering discussion on practical steps to increase social procurement participation. The Minister encouraged public buyers to prioritise wider societal benefits in procurement decisions and urged social enterprises to seize emerging opportunities to grow and contribute to stronger communities.
These toolkits form a key part of the Government’s Trading for Impact policy, Ireland’s National Social Enterprise Policy, which focuses on boosting social enterprise involvement in public and private procurement to enhance their financial sustainability. The Social Enterprise Toolkit offers practical guidance to support social enterprises in navigating procurement processes, while the Public Buyer Toolkit assists public sector buyers in engaging effectively with social enterprises to maximise community and environmental benefits.
Minister Buttimer emphasised the vital role social enterprises play in creating employment, supporting local economies, and advancing sustainability. He highlighted the synergy between Trading for Impact and the National Public Procurement Strategy, both of which seek to optimise the social, economic, and environmental returns on public expenditure. The event also featured contributions from the Office of Government Procurement and other stakeholders, fostering discussion on practical steps to increase social procurement participation. The Minister encouraged public buyers to prioritise wider societal benefits in procurement decisions and urged social enterprises to seize emerging opportunities to grow and contribute to stronger communities.
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