John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 51: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No 216 of 3 November, if she has concerns with the number of trade unions who have not submitted annual returns to the registrar of friendly societies for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; the action being taken by the registrar of friendly societies to protect the members of the unions concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42496/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I set out below the statistics to which the Deputy is referring, for ease of reference. Year No. of Trade Unions Registered Annual Returns Filed 2006 66 49 2007 65 47 2008 65 39 I should point out that the term trade unions in this context also comprises employer and trade associations, and not just the more commonly understood employee trade unions.

The number of trade unions who have submitted returns for 2006 and 2007 remained relatively static, with a decrease in 2008. It is the practice of the Registry of Friendly Societies to issue reminders to trade unions where returns have not been submitted on time, and a first such reminder issued in July of this year in respect of the 2008 return. A further reminder is scheduled to issue at the end of this month. On the basis of experience in previous years it is expected that a number of returns will be received over the coming months. Of the 18 trade unions which did not submit a return for 2007, 14 had not submitted a return for a number of years, and are probably moribund. On this basis, while there is some lack of compliance, in particular with the statutory deadline for submission of returns, it has not to date given cause for significant concern.