Vol. 484 No. 4
61 Mr. Higgins (Mayo): asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in the approval by her Department of documentation in relation to a co-operative society (details supplied) in County Mayo which is in the process of seeking registration from ICOS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22424/97]
The Register of Friendly Societies is an independent statutory officer appointed under the Friendly Societies Acts, 1896 to 1977. He has powers, duties and functions under various enactments. The registration of a co-operative society is a function vested solely in the Registrar under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893 to 1978. I have no role in the matter. I understand from the Registrar that the co-operative society in question was in fact registered on 25 November last.
