Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2018
36. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to establish a co-operative development unit in her Department to encourage the development of co-operatives here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42713/18]
View answerMy Department supports co-operatives in the same way we support other enterprises. The co-operative model is one of a number of legal options that are available to those considering establishing themselves in business and the different models have their own distinct characteristics. It is of course up to each individual operation to choose the model that best suits the nature of the business and the desired ethos of the entity. My Department supports cooperatives in the same way as we support other enterprises.
I have no plans to establish a co-operative development unit within my Department at this point in time.
In terms of the policy and regulatory framework for co-operatives, the Friendly Societies and Industrial and Provident Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 was aimed primarily at easing the regulatory burden on co-operative societies and making it easier to start up and run a co-operative as an alternative form of enterprise organisation. It addressed particular problems that were identified in the co-operative sector and helps to ensure this model would thrive and grow to its potential to promote appreciation of the co-operative as a form of enterprise organization.
My Department provides a full range of enterprise supports for new and existing businesses, primarily through its development Agencies, Enterprise Ireland, IDA and the Local Enterprise Offices. I would direct the Deputy to the online tool at www.supportingSMEs.ie. This tool helps startups and small businesses identify which Government support, out of over 170, meets their needs. Alternatively, searching my Department’s website (www.dbei.gov.ie) under the phrase “Which support is for you?”, will provide the Deputy with many useful resources for small businesses.
