Barry Cowen
Question:49. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes that he plans for co-operatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18794/22]
View answerThursday, 7 April 2022
Questions (49)
Written answers
Following a comprehensive review of the Industrial and Provident Societies legislation which governs the establishment and operation of the majority of co-operatives in Ireland, 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.
The Department is currently considering the responses to a public consultation held in February 2022 on the proposed reforms, before finalising a general scheme of a Co-operative Societies Bill. It is envisaged that the general scheme will be brought to Government before the end of Quarter 2 of this year.