Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for an extremely thorough presentation on a relatively small Bill, although a very important one. Other Senators alluded to the fact we live in a strange time where the world is shrinking and where we talk about globalisation and large corporations all the time and yet where co-operatives, in particular, have a very special place in our culture in Ireland.

Having been involved and interested in the food industry for a long time, I cannot but acknowledge the work done by people over decades in trying to come together to find a good way to work and to share not only profits but knowledge among people, particularly in the farming sector, but also at local level and, as Senator Mullins, said across a huge range of other activities. Even in this modern time when we are full of connecting and talking across the Atlantic, the Pacific and even outer space, with Chris Hadfield as our sort-of ambassador, we know that when it comes down to it, what really matters is people communicating with each other and sharing information. In rural communities, in particular, co-operatives have always played an important role.

I am very supportive of this legislation, which, as the Minister of State said, tries to level the playing field, but in a way that recognises the very important differences between co-operatives and the larger business-type models. I am pleased to see full consultation has taken place since 2009 in regard to making and encouraging these changes. I trust people have had their say and made their contribution. Certainly, anything that eases the regulatory burden on this group in particular, because of the nature of co-operatives, is welcome at this time. It is not often that we can say we are trying to reduce the regulatory burden, so it is good that this is being done. It was in the Action Plan for Jobs. People are very cynical at these days about Governments not living up to promises, but here is a promise. Although it is a small one, it is significant for this particular group of people.

We hear people talking about the use of bitcoins and bartering, the word "meitheal" coming back into our vocabulary, the encouragement of social entrepreneurs and the great work being done by social entrepreneurs, many of whom come together in small groups in their own local communities and areas to try to achieve particular goals. The treasuring, building and strengthening of the co-operative movement in Ireland is extremely important.

As Senator Cullinane said, perhaps there will be an opportunity for the Minister of State to come back to have a wider conversation, and for us in government and for communities to encourage and support the building of more co-operatives, and to say that in the 21st century there is a place for co-operatives and we encourage them. Sometimes legislation gets missed and perhaps ignored, but maybe we should make a bigger statement about that. Co-operatives are never going to be great drivers of job creation in the way other things we do are, but that is not the point. The point is that they have a real cohesive value in communities. Over the past decade we became very individualistic in our approach but I think people are remembering that need to co-operate. Was there ever a better time to elevate the whole concept and need for co-operatives?

We talked a little bit about the concept of co-opetition, which is a healthy thing. I was much encouraged to be in Strandhill in Sligo last Friday for a great local community initiative for tourism whereby people have come together to ask how they can pool their resources to promote Strandhill, because they all live and work there and want to promote it and put their best foot forward. There are many such models across the country. They may never form a formal co-operative but they understand the value of coming together and I have no doubt other people are doing the same thing.

It is not just about keeping a promise and about changing the legislation, which are important, but about making a greater statement about the value we place on this kind of activity in what is a very competitive and global marketplace.