David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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A thread coming from a number of us is about recognising the huge potential here, welcoming this proposed legislation, and the possible need for people to be informed about what can happen through this legislation. For example, I met people recently who set up a group to assist those with mental health issues who had suicide ideation. They had to form a company with a guarantee to protect it, along with directors. They then had to get charitable status, which is taking forever. If the Charities Regulator is listening, I ask it to move quickly on this one. All that is going on and, of course, they have to ensure that directors are protected by taking out insurance. It is quite cumbersome. It seems to me that the area of co-operatives could be far easier and better.

Will the officials talk me through what such a group, if it wants to establish a co-operative, has to do, practically speaking, in order to set one up? Who do they have to contact? What do they have to know? What kind of supports will be there for them? What do they have to learn? What are the pitfalls?