Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 67: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on moves to facilitate continuing growth and development of the co-operative sector by reviewing co-operative legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20187/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The co-operative movement has made a huge contribution to economic and social development in Ireland over many years. We have only to think of agricultural co-ops, credit unions and other sectors such as social housing, group water schemes and community development in which the co-op model has been used with great success. A very good description and analysis of the co-operative sector was provided by the Forfás study "Ireland's Co-operative Sector" commissioned by my Department and which was published in November 2007. (available at www.forfas.ie/media/cooperative_sector_2007.pdf)

Most co-operatives in Ireland, particularly those which undertake economic or business activities, register as "industrial and provident societies" under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, the principal Act being that of 1893. While this legislation has served us well over the years, it is time to carry out a comprehensive and full review of the current arrangements and this is now underway. Credit Unions, since 1997, have their own modern legislation, separate from the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts.

The initial focus of the current review is on identifying any practical difficulties or problems for co-operatives in the existing legislation. To assist in this work, we published in April 2009 a consultation paper on the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893 – 2005 and invited views and observations from interested members of the public. I am glad to say that we have had a good response to this paper. I would also encourage any interested parties who have not yet submitted views or observations to do so as soon as possible. Copies of the consultation paper are available in the Oireachtas library and also on my Department's website (www.entemp.ie/commerce/cooplaw).

On completion of the consultation process, I intend to bring appropriate policy recommendations to the Government. These will address the question of whether, in the light of the public consultation, there is a need for change in the current legislation and, if so, the general lines such change might take.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure the House that the primary objective of the current review and of any legislative initiatives resulting from it will be to ensure and provide a regulatory environment that is supportive of the co-operative movement and of its capacity to contribute to economic and social well being into the future.