Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will be acknowledging the fact that 2012 is the Year of the Co-operative; his plans to recognise the work of the co-operative movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38314/11]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact this is the International Year of the Co-Operative Movement and if Ireland is involved in same; if any consideration has been given to any measures to further develop the co-operative movement here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38390/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 132 together.

I am indeed aware that the United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives, and earlier this year I secured the agreement of Government to draft legislation to ease the regulatory burden on co-operative societies and to make it easier to start up and run a co-operative as an alternative form of enterprise organisation. I hope to publish the Draft Bill early next year and I expect that the amendments I am proposing will make the co-operative model more attractive for those wishing to use it.

By introducing these legislative changes for co-operatives, the Government is recognising the value of the co-operative business model to our economy, particularly at the present time. I believe that these measures will facilitate the development of co-operatives into the future.

My responsibility lies in the legislative provision for co-operatives in general. Any initiatives to facilitate the development of co-operatives in particular sectors, for example group water schemes, renewable energy or agricultural co-operatives, would be a matter for my colleagues in the respective Government Departments.