Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, I am very disappointed at the Minister's response. I asked if she would establish a co-operative development unit and obviously she said she would not. I commend Senator Gavan on a policy he developed over the summer and launched last month on the issue of co-operatives which, if implemented, would make significant progress in delivering sustainable jobs in local communities.

As the Minister will be aware, the Department previously had a co-operative development unit. It was established by Government in 1988 but was subsequently dissolved in 2002 by the then Minister. Ireland has had a long history of co-operative businesses since the first one was established in 1889 by Horace Plunkett. However, we have never realised the potential that this kind of business can deliver. Many of these companies have proven to be more resilient and productive and to provide greater social benefits to the workers, their families and their communities. I urge the Minister to work on plans to encourage expansion of the co-operative network. To do that I believe a co-operative unit should be established in the Department.

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