The aim of the trip was to learn about the development of co-operatives in Ireland and to study the method of establishing them. Ireland was the host country of the visit, which took place from June 7-21, 2000, and the partner organisation was the FAS Employment Services Support Unit.

The Slovenian Employment Service associate had the opportunity to examine the practices of ten very interesting co-operatives in Ireland. At Cork University, the course on co-operatives and the contents of the new programme on Loan Co-operatives presently being introduced by this university were explained. They also provided her with contacts with representatives of the social co-operatives who have presented cases of good practice in this area at recent conferences.

The Slovenian associate visited the enterprises centre in Cork and exchanged information with the self-employment advisor. She also made a stop at the Training Centre for Business Persons (which conducts self-employment activities similar to those at the Slovenian Employment Service). A comparison of the operations of Slovenian and Irish co-operatives indicates that we still have many opportunities open to development.