D’arcy calls for expansion of Jobbridge Scheme to local sole traders

Speaking at Showcase 2013 Tuesday 22 January 2013, Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Education “I was hugely impressed with the range and quality of the crafts products on exhibit.

I was immensely impressed when I visited the exhibition stands of Louth based participants such as Edmund McNulty Knitwear whose high quality knitwear is a must have item in Japan. EssenC Designs (Sinead Clarke) who has worked in Milan and whose uniquely designed hats, scarves and head bands retail both in Ireland and Germany. Louth Craft Mark (Sarah McKenna) some of whose distinctive work has been presented to dignitaries such as former US President Bill Clinton and former President Mary McAleese. In addition to producing very impressive ceramic range Sarah also runs classes and workshops from her studio located in Bridge Street, Dundalk. Two other local exhibitors of silver included Corona Silver, Best Jewellery of the show at Autumn fair 2009, Best Overall Products of the show at Autumn fair 2009, Top 50 New Products Showcase 2011. Garrett Mallon Jewellery located in Omeath whose inimitable range of jewellery is both colourful and animated by local folklore. I would also like to acknowledge the help and support of the Louth Leader Partnership whose support is vital to our local craft sector and other sectors in our community.

He also called for an extension for the JobBridge Scheme to businesses involved in the craft industry most of whom are sole traders. At present they are not covered by the Job Bridge Initiative.
Most of the exhibitors are sole traders who have to be multi skilled in order to compete and operate their own business. Not alone do they need creative flair but also need to understand marketing, web design, account management, customer database management, artistic design and other associated skills. These skill sets are very comprehensive and can to a certain degree be transferred to all sectors of industry. There are many enterpeneurs who have started their own business enterprises and could benefit from support of another employee but many not have the finances to employ somebody on a full time basis. The JobBridge scheme will allow them this facility and in turn participants in the scheme could benefit from learning the start-up mechanisms of new business and be in a position to contribute ideas. The participants will also learn from their employer a combination of skills sets which could perhaps grow the business or participants could take with these transferable skills to another employment in due course. While this scheme has been extended from July last to include One Parent Family Payment and people in receipt of Disability Allowance I will be asking the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Burton TD and his colleague Joan Burton TD, Minister for Social Protection if they will consider extending this scheme to supporting sole traders” he said.

Our Irish locally produced crafts are a credit to their exhibitors and they can certainly stand alone with any other craft products produced anywhere in the world. I hope that visitors to Ireland and to Louth this summer, including those who will come for 80 or so events organised for THE GATHERING will be able to bring back a piece of home from the variety of locally designed craft ideas.

It is anticipated that up to €20 million in sales orders will be generated over the four days of Showcase 2013. The craft industry employs almost 6,000 people.
The Craft Council is the main champion of the craft industry in Ireland fostering growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness of Irish crafted design.