Social entrepreneurs should receive the same support and recognition from the public and private sector as their business counterparts, it was argued yesterday.
Mary Davis, chairwoman of the Task Force on Active Citizenship, said: "In the same way as business entrepreneurs are supporting our economic growth, social entrepreneurs are driven to solve social problems in our society."
Ms Davis was speaking at the 2006 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards, where 31 people were recognised for work in tackling social problems throughout the country. Among the award winners was actor and writer Michael Collins, who developed the idea of establishing a Traveller Theatre Company.