Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - Co-Operative Development Council.

Richard Bruton

Question:

59 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the Co-Operative Development Council is part of the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development 1994-99; the organisations represented on this council and the objectives of this body; whether this body is incorporated with limited liability; if she has reviewed the activities and resources of this body; the plans, if any, she has to change the membership, objectives, operations and resources of this body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16393/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The Human Resources Development Operational Programme 1994-99 is the primary channel through which EU Structural Funds support is directed to Irelands vocational education and training measures. One of the actions supported in the operational programme is a local enterprise measure, implemented by FÁS. The measure, which is aimed at providing support for the development of employment through a locally based approach, includes, as one component, the activities of the Co-Operative Development Council. The local enterprise measure was included in the human resources development operational programme in recognition of the fact that the establishment of small businesses, through local development, can play an important part in job-creation.

The council was set up in 1988 under the terms of the Programme for National Recovery. Its terms of reference are: to stimulate greater awareness about co-operatives and their potential for development and employment; to identify the needs of co-operatives and worker co-operatives in particular; to identify and seek to correct gaps in current provisions; and to monitor the work programme of the co-operative development unit of FÁS.

The following members were appointed to the council by the FÁS board in 1988: Mr. Bill Attley, (Chairman); Mr. Cathal Ó Finneadha, a nominee of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Mrs. Anne Forde, representing the Irish League of Credit Unions; Mr. Stephen McCarthy, representing ICTU; Mr. Tom Redmond, representing the Irish Federation of Workers Co-Operatives; Mr. Patrick Pearse, representing the FUE (subsequently IBEC); Mr. Gregory Tierney, representing the Irish Co-Operative Organisations Society Ltd. The original members are still serving, with the exception of Mr. Patrick Pearse who was replaced by Mr. Patrick Cambell of IBEC.

The council reports to the FÁS board. It is not incorporated with limited liability.

Given the council's reporting structure and the fact that it was established under the terms of the Programme for National Recovery, any issue concerning the change of membership, objectives, operations or resources of the council would be a matter for the board of FÁS, in consultation with the social partners.