(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the proposals, if any, he has to introduce legislation relating to co-operative societies, as they operate at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I would refer the Deputy to the replies which I gave to similar questions on 13 February 1979 and 3 May 1979 on this matter, in the course of which I explained that, as other legislative priorities permit, an overhaul of the industrial and provident societies code of legislation will be undertaken.

Substantial changes have already been introduced under the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Act, 1978.

A Registrar of Friendly Societies has recently been appointed on a full-time basis. He will be examining the existing code of law, but at this stage I can say that the law as it stands does not impede the co-operative movement to any significant extent.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister of State aware that the co-operative movement are very anxious to have the law updated and have had discussions with the Department on a number of occasions? Is the Minister of State in a position to give us an approximate date for the introduction of the updating legislation?

I would not like to give a date because it could be misleading. I am aware that the co-operative movement have been in contact with the Department. There is now a Registrar of Friendly Societies and there is an informal arrangement under which he will undertake an examination to see what changes are necessary. However, the co-operative movement, and in particular the agricultural co-operatives, have their own rules for guidance of their members. Within the framework of existing industrial and provident society legislation they can, subject to consultation with the Registrar of Friendly Societies, amend or modify the rules to meet changing circumstances. There is a need for change and that is being examined but I would not like to tell the Deputy a specific date.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Am I not correct in thinking that the co-operative movement, particularly the agricultural sector, have submitted an extensive memo to the Department spelling out in black and white the kind of amendment they want? Surely it is only a matter for the Department to come to a decision?

I recognise there is need for change and this matter is being examined. However, I should not like to give a date.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Can the Minister say when the co-operative movement submitted their proposals to the Minister?

In 1978 they made a submission, more recently in 1979 and again in April 1980 they set out guidelines for the eighties in which they encouraged their members to lobby their public representatives. This is an ongoing thing. Its success is evidenced today by the fact that this question was put down. I assure the Deputy that we are conscious of the need for the change.

(Cavan-Monaghan): With the greatest respect, being conscious of it and doing nothing is not good enough. Will the Minister agree that his disclosures show a very poor response to this very responsible movement? As far back as 1978 the Minister's Department were asked to do something and nothing has been done.

I assure the Deputy that on his appointment the Registrar of friendly Societies will examine the need for change and will invite submissions from all interested parties, not just the agricultural co-ops.

Question No. 33.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is not that a recipe for putting the whole thing into cold storage?

It is a recipe to get it right.

Questions Nos. 31 and 32 have gone for written reply. Question No. 33.