Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I do not understand the point, Chairman. I was talking about shared services, the capacity of credit unions to provide those shared services and removing impediments to their providing them.

That is precisely what they have asked for in their representations to me and in their discussions with me. I suspect this is also the case for other members.

It is very creditable that the credit unions say they wish to use some of their assets to promote social projects, social enterprise and other government projects which would be beneficial for the economy, would create employment and be beneficial in boosting demand in the economy. They want to be allowed to do this. However, because of certain restrictions on them they are having to send money abroad when what they would prefer to do is to invest money in this country for the promotion of employment and enterprise. They would prefer to be assisting the Government in its financial difficulties in trying to improve the economic lot of the country. These are very important amendments which we are proposing on behalf of the Irish League of Credit Unions and the Minister should accept them. They are very worthwhile and they will benefit not just the members of the credit unions but also the economy and the country.