Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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I mean this respectfully, but all I would say is that to me it points to a lack of ambition in getting the proposed legislation right after 100 years. As asset lock is absolutely essential if we are serious about developing a co-operative sector.

Otherwise, what happens over time, as in any capitalist society, is that co-ops tend to change their status. We have seen that in our own country, and very much so.

I am running out of time, and I apologise for that. On the issue about succession and maybe putting in place a pathway, again, it comes back to best practice. France has a worker buy-out model. I am sure the Department has looked at the laws in Italy, which very supportive and distinctive in terms of co-operatives. Why will it not look at developing a succession model - a supportive model - that would allow workers to buy out their companies? I go back to the quote I gave from the Scottish CEO. This is the opportunity to do it and to put in place legislative supports to make it much easier for workers to buy out their companies, particularly at times of succession. I would have thought that should be part of the proposed Bill.