Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a proposal with the Department of Finance - I think it has come from Limerick - with regard to a possible amalgamation between the credit union movement and An Post. I will not go into this as An Post is not represented here and I imagine it would have to be consulted on this as well. From a rural perspective, in terms of ensuring the viability of credit unions and post offices, do the delegates see a possible synergy between those two entities in the future?

I imagine it would need a change in legislation or regulation from the Central Bank. I accept it is not something that is going to happen overnight but where does the proposal stand at the moment?