We should encourage a culture of risk-taking

Entrepreneurship is an awful word.

It smacks of elitism and privilege while sounding like something beyond the bounds of ordinary people. So-called business schools internationally have hijacked it as a product only they can deliver to students at exorbitant costs. It needs to be overhauled and made accessible in a different way.

This is important because in a free democracy the creation, management and growth of private businesses is core to employment and economic wellbeing. Having individuals who have the guile, bravery and ability to establish and develop private companies is essential if an economy is to provide sufficient financial resources for its people. Yet, in Ireland we struggle to truly cherish, nurture and encourage a culture of risk-taking.