Promotion of entrepreneurship in Ireland

31.3.2015

Question for written answer E-005448-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lara Comi (PPE)

Ensuring the key competence of entrepreneurship is one of the objectives that the Commission has been promoting for some time, considering it an essential tool for economic growth and innovation. Some research has in fact shown that among secondary school students participating in educational programs of this type, almost 20% go on to start their own businesses.

There are many projects suggested by the Commission so that entrepreneurship training is introduced in each country, including: work experience in businesses, opportunities for contact with professionals and learning modules. It is the responsibility of schools and educational centres to ensure that European Union guidelines on the matter are implemented.

As a recent survey showed that three quarters of Europeans have never participated in a training course on the subject, it is feared that the EU is losing the ability to train young people in entrepreneurship. As I am unaware of the reality of Irish education and would like to know if the country is striving to follow the Commission’s guidelines in the field of entrepreneurship training, can the Commission state:

• 1. if Ireland funds programs that develop entrepreneurial skills?
• 2. if Irish schools offer meetings with entrepreneurs?