Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2011
125 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will be acknowledging the fact that 2012 is the Year of the Co-operative; his plans to recognise the work of the co-operative movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38314/11]
View answer132 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the International Year of the Co-Operative Movement and if Ireland is involved in same; if any consideration has been given to any measures to further develop the co-operative movement here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38390/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 132 together.
I am indeed aware that the United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives, and earlier this year I secured the agreement of Government to draft legislation to ease the regulatory burden on co-operative societies and to make it easier to start up and run a co-operative as an alternative form of enterprise organisation. I hope to publish the Draft Bill early next year and I expect that the amendments I am proposing will make the co-operative model more attractive for those wishing to use it.
By introducing these legislative changes for co-operatives, the Government is recognising the value of the co-operative business model to our economy, particularly at the present time. I believe that these measures will facilitate the development of co-operatives into the future.
My responsibility lies in the legislative provision for co-operatives in general. Any initiatives to facilitate the development of co-operatives in particular sectors, for example group water schemes, renewable energy or agricultural co-operatives, would be a matter for my colleagues in the respective Government Departments.
