Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
138. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the drafting of the co-operative societies Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34319/22]
View answerFollowing a public consultation held in February 2022 to inform certain aspects of the proposed legislation, my Department is finalising a General Scheme of a Co-operative Societies Bill. The proposed legislation is part of 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.
It is envisaged that the General Scheme will be submitted in the coming weeks to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I, with a view to seeking Government’s approval, as soon as possible thereafter, to draft the Co-operative Societies’ Bill.
