asked the Minister for Labour the reason he is establishing a co-operative development council and the needs it is meant to serve; the budget it will have in 1988 and the staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Co-operative Development Council.
129.
The matters referred to by the Deputy are being considered primarily in the context of the mandate to be given to An Foras Áiseanna Saothair (FÁS) which will come into operation on 1 January 1988. FÁS will have a statutory function to facilitate, encourage, foster and assist (whether financially or otherwise) local community groups and co-operatives of workers in providing employment.
The groundwork for an initiative by FÁS is currently being examined by the manpower agencies, including the implementation of the terms of the Programme for National Recovery dealing with the Co-operative Development Council.