Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
217. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the timeline for when he expects the Co-operative Societies Bill 2022 to be drafted; when he expects the Bill to be passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3529/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, in consultation with my Department, is in the process of drafting the Co-operative Bill 2022. The legislative proposals represent the most far-reaching reform of the legislation regarding Co-operative Societies in 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.
Due to the length of the Bill and its complex nature, it is not envisaged that drafting will be finalised and the Bill brought to Government for publication until Quarter 2 of this year. There has been strong support for modernising the legislation governing the co-operative model, and my Department has been in continued engagement with the relevant stakeholders to develop the Bill. I look forward to the support of Members of both Houses with a view to facilitating early enactment.
