Thank you, Sarita, for your introduction.

 

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I would like to join in welcoming you all to Enterprise Ireland’s 2016 International Business Women’s Conference in conjunction with the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

 

This year’s event comes on the back of last year’s inaugural and highly successful International Business Women’s Conference. I would like to thank Enterprise Ireland and the Rose of Tralee International Festival Committee, its sponsor AIB and media partner Tattler, for their work in putting together and promoting the event, and acknowledge the support of the Department of the Taoiseach and the Local Diaspora Engagement Fund 2016.

 

When the Rose of Tralee International Festival started in 1959, it was a very different time for women in society. Over the years the Rose of Tralee Festival has changed to reflect changes in society as a whole and now celebrates the diversity of women – their life stories, their individual successes, and their hopes for the future – as well as their common bond, which is their shared heritage and unique connection to this island. The image the Roses reflect is one of confident, highly qualified, ambitious women. Past festival participants have gone on to success in all walks of life, including, as some of our speakers today ably illustrate, in business where they also share a common drive and ambition.

 

A more diverse and International Ireland

The State has come very far from the mono-cultural society of the 1950s. Today there is hardly a country on the planet which is not represented in our cities, towns and villages. From remote South Sea Islands to the great American continent; from the vastness of Africa to the great landmass of the East, people from all these lands now call Ireland “home”. The narrative of their lives is now part of Irish history. Their future is interwoven with the future of this State and its citizens across the globe. This small island at the periphery of Europe is now a magnet destination for young people across the globe.

 

As Irish society has become more open and diverse, women are increasingly visible as leaders in public service and in the political and business world. I saw this change gradually during my time as chairperson of the National Women’s Council in the 1980s. I see this change in my everyday work at the Department of Justice and Equality. And today, women serve in the most senior legal positions in the country – Attorney General, Chief Justice, Chief State Solicitor, Director of Public Prosecutions and Garda Commissioner.

 

Today’s event aims to showcase the potential of the women of Ireland and of the Irish Diaspora, both at home and abroad, to contribute to economic growth and prosperity, to create jobs, and to build a society which we can all be proud of. Only by unlocking the talents and the latent entrepreneurial skills of women can Ireland move forward as a 21^st century knowledge-based economy which thrives on innovation and creativity.

 

The Rose of Tralee festival has a long history of recognising and promoting talented and ambitious women who wanted to contribute to their community. Previous participants and winners include business women, scientists, medical professionals, teachers, students and volunteers. They are a reflection of a modern Irish society which values and supports women and girls to achieve their full potential in whatever career they may choose.

 

Whilst women have made great advances over the last thirty years in education and in the workplace, the rate at which women are starting new businesses is still below what we would wish it to be. In Ireland, men are still twice as likely to become entrepreneurs as women. The creativity and business acumen of women is abundantly displayed every day across the wide variety of community and voluntary groups operating across Ireland and in many of our family-run businesses and SMEs. Why then are women not establishing their own businesses at the same rate as men?

 

This is a question that occupied the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation who reported in July 2015 on female entrepreneurship. This influential Parliamentary Committee identified problems with access to finance, tax disincentives, a need for greater networking and mentoring opportunities, and the prevalence of a largely male-dominated business culture, all of which impact on opportunities and on confidence for women starting their own business.

 

To me, it is striking that many of these issues bear a remarkable similarity to those identified as barriers to greater female participation in politics. In politics, the inhibitors were succinctly summarised as the 5 Cs – cash, confidence, childcare, culture and candidate selection procedures. The first four are equally applicable in an enterprise context.

 

We have seen in other countries – for example in Australia, the strong correlation in increase in female entrepreneurs where there were quotas introduced resulting in more female politicians. Having lobbied in Ireland for gender quotas I am delighted to see that we have more women in the Dail than ever before – 35 women, 22.2% of all deputies.

 

Increase in Female Entrepreneurs supported by Enterprise Ireland

I am equally happy to note the significant increase in female entrepreneurs supported by Enterprise Ireland where the number of High Potential Start Ups supported increased from 7% annually up to 2011 to 22% in 2015. This is a fantastic achievement particularly when we compare it with the global comparisons where only 8% of global technology entrepreneurs are female. In total 61 female entrepreneurs were supported financially in 2015 by Enterprise Ireland. This shows what can be achieved when we focus on a problem.

 

Many people think of female entrepreneurs as a new concept – but when we look at one of our great role models – Anna May McHugh – often referred to as the “Queen of the National Ploughing Championships” – she has overseen the ploughing Championships growing to become the largest outdoor festival in Europe. Quite an achievement! It is important to recognise such role models as they play a key role in inspiring those coming behind them.

 

State Support for Women in Business

To assist potential entrepreneurs in bringing their business ideas to life, the State has established strong programmes directed specifically at women entrepreneurs which respond to the reality of women’s lives. Enterprise Ireland’s dedicated unit to promote female enterprise is one such initiative with great impact as I mentioned earlier.

 

Another initiative this September will see my Department issuing a call for applications to access an EU funding programme aimed at women returning to the workforce and women’s entrepreneurship. Planned expenditure on the activity up to 2020 is €11 million. The entrepreneurship strand will target an increase in entrepreneurship among women, focusing on supporting business women, irrespective of their economic status, to realise their full business potential.

 

These are just a couple of examples of the many streams of State support available. But awareness is low, and we must strive to spread the word via networking events such as today.

 

Changing Face of Success – theme of this year’s conference

The theme of this year’s conference, the changing face of success, will look at how advances in social and digital media are impacting on the business world. I see this change in my everyday work at the Department of Justice and Equality, as the State tries to keep up with and facilitate a rapidly changing business environment. Managing the way in which we consume and protect data is an increasingly important and challenging task for my Department. But we must rise to that challenge.

 

The digital economy already represents 6% of Ireland’s GDP and is growing fast, at approximately 40% since 2012. The Government simply must deliver on its National Broadband Plan to bring high speed broadband to every home and business in Ireland. Broadband might not be a problem in Dublin, but I know it’s a problem in Kerry and countless other counties across Ireland. Successive broadband strategies have come and gone, but this one must deliver.

 

Globalisation

Delegates will be aware of the creeping anti-globalisation sentiment gaining traction across the world. While acknowledging the challenges arising from globalisation, I must emphasise how Ireland, as a small open economy, has benefitted greatly from engagement with the wider world. International economic cooperation presents a basis upon which to build not just new business relationships but to acquire new knowledge and perspectives to the benefit of society as a whole. In evidence, one need look no further than the strides made in women’s rights in Ireland in the years since 1973 when the State acceded to the European Economic Community. Even the name of today’s event – Enterprise Ireland’s International Business Women’s Conference – is premised on a world in which international economic collaboration is accepted and promoted. This cannot be taken for granted, especially in today’s political climate and that’s why I believe events such as today are crucial in communicating not just among ourselves but the wider public, why international economic cooperation and free trade benefits everyone in society.

 

Importance of Networking

Today also provides an opportunity to focus on the achievements of a group of successful women, whilst also being real and talking about our experiences and challenges that have got is to this point. Women role models are invaluable in encouraging more women to advance their careers, and establish their own business. The aim is to hear amazing stories from a diversity of amazing women that will inspire and encourage us in our own journey.

 

The emergence in recent years of women networks, such as Network Ireland, the Women’s Executive Network, and Women in Technology and Science (WITS), along with expanded mentoring opportunities, are very positive developments. The importance of a listening ear and a knowledgeable and supportive voice cannot be underestimated. Networking is crucial if we are to continue building on the strides women have taken in Ireland. I urge you to make it your aim today to share your thoughts, advice and ideas, to broaden your personal network, and to build the contacts that can support and grow your business.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, I am delighted as Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to be part of today’s event. Indeed, as members of the wider Irish community, I believe we all have a role to play in shaping the future of this country, where the talents and potential of every person is recognised and equally valued and where business and creativity can flourish. I hope you leave enlightened and motivated to advance opportunities for all women in business.

 

Thank you for your kind attention.