Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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The Irish public owe a debt of gratitude to the credit union movement. One never sees prestigious awards and so on being made to credit unions. Credit unions provide a great service for people who are not used to or are fearful of banks. I am a member of a credit union.

Our economic environment has changed. While I am sure that up to now credit unions were on a steady path, were trusted and have managed their role successfully, is there in this changing financial environment, an unease in terms of the path now to be taken? I get a sense that there is an unease within the credit union movement in terms of redefining its role in a changing economic financial environment. There have been many social changes too. I have no particular evidence of this but I sense that is the case. It would be strange if that were not the case. I am sure that owing to changing circumstances the movement is now having to review what underpinned the traditional fundamental service. I am not sure if I am making sense.