Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
445. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department can intervene in issues with the governance of friendly societies; and whether his Department can compel the society’s officers to adhere to its registered rules and ensure the society is run in the best interests of its members, many of whom are vulnerable. [1530/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no statutory powers to intervene on issues related to the governance of friendly societies.
The Registrar of Friendly Societies is a statutory role and is administratively independent in the exercise of this function. Section 68 of the Friendly Societies Act 1896 sets out that disputes in a friendly society are decided in manner directed by the rules of the society. Unless the rules of the society expressly forbid it, and if all parties to a dispute consent, the parties have the option to refer the dispute to the Registrar.
