asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will consider amending the existing law on co-operatives so that people under 25 years could become members.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Law on Co-operatives.
9.
Existing law allows persons above the age of 16 to become members of co-operative societies, except where the rules of an individual society specifically provide otherwise. Model rules for the formation of societies, which are used by the vast majority of co-operatives, reflect this position.
The law does provide, however, that persons under the age of 21 and above the age of 16 may not be a member of the committee, a trustee, manager or treasurer of a society.
Does the Minister see a very definite role for workers' co-operatives in his new industrial policy?
That is clearly a separate question.
If that is a separate question, it is very difficult to get information in this House. Would the Minister agree that young people are very interested in the concept of workers' co-operatives, that any assistance needed should be given to them, and that if the Minister should make any changes that are needed?
If the Deputy was listening closely to my reply he will have heard that there is no barrier to young people becoming involved in co-operatives unless they are below the age of 21.
But the Minister does not agree with any changes in that respect? The reforming Dáil.