Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I did not see it until Mr. Casey read it this morning. It would be appreciated if we could get things in advance. I would like to put on record my appreciation of the many volunteers in the credit union movement. They are part of the glue that holds this country together. Like other institutions, including the GAA and other sporting organisations, the credit unions are the unsung heroes of this country.

My questions are primarily directed at the Central Bank. I am concerned about the issue of lending in credit unions. I have had meetings with representatives of credit unions recently. One of their big concerns is the imposition of lending restrictions. Will Mr. Casey or Mr. Power outline the sorts of restrictions that have been placed on credit unions? Why are they there? Can they be made more flexible? These questions are particularly pertinent at the moment. I will give an example. As the economy is improving, many carpenters and other tradesmen are seeking to buy new vans in order that they can do their jobs better. I understand that many people in such circumstances are finding it difficult to get money from credit unions. I would have thought that such lending would be ideal. It seems to me that these restrictions are imposed from on high.