Vol. 436 No. 4
124 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether there is good potential for development and jobs in the co-operative movement; the factors, if any, that are inhibiting the further growth of the movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The co-operative movement, in its broadest sense, has already made an outstanding contribution to economic and social development in Ireland over many years. The progress made by the agricultural cooperatives and by credit unions are only two illustrations of this. I have no doubt that there is potential for further development in these and other branches of the co-operative movement. There do not appear to be any significant factors, specifically applicable to the co-operative form of association, which are inhibiting further growth at present.
