Mr. Jimmy Johnson:

We have more than 3 million members but we are not politically involved in any sense. With regard to consultation with our members, the commission's report was published in the middle of April after which 750 delegates represented 376 credit unions at our AGM and we consulted them. After this we had roadshows and consulted with another 761 delegates from 283 credit unions so we have received feedback. The points we are raising today come directly from the discussions with our member credit unions throughout the country. We also get feedback at chapter meetings and I get feedback as a director of the Irish League of Credit Unions. These are points which are raised again and again.

We participated fully, openly and very effectively with the commission and we made our points. We have a duty to consult with and represent the views of our member credit unions, which is what we have done.