My Department is close to finalising legislative proposals for the most far-reaching reform of the legislation regarding Co-operative Societies in almost 130 years. The proposals will consolidate, modernise and strengthen the legislative basis for the sector and enshrine the co-operative model in legislation for the first time. This will allow co-operatives to operate under a modern, fit for purpose legislative framework, and provide an attractive alternative to the company law model for those entities who subscribe to the co-operative ethos.
I recently launched a public consultation on the proposed reforms and following consideration of the responses received, it is expected that a general scheme of a Bill will be brought to Government during Quarter 2 of this year.