Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform

Report on Licensed Moneylending Industry: Central Bank of Ireland

3:45 pm

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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That leads me to my next question. According to the report, people are satisfied with the service, but I would like to know what question was asked. It is certainly easier to get a loan from a licensed moneylender than from a bank or credit union. With some moneylenders, one can almost get loans online. However, quality of service and access to money are separate matters. There is a significant financial penalty or additional cost in taking this route. Is it within the Central Bank's power to reduce the interest rates? Does it set the limits?