Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Public Accounts Committee

Credit Union Fund Accounts 2013; Credit Resolution Institution Fund Accounts 2013; and Credit Union Restructuring Board Accounts 2013

10:40 am

Mr. John Doyle:

The credit unions have two income streams. They have an income stream from their lending, which is their core business. Loan-to-asset ratios have shrunk dramatically in the credit union movement in the past four or five years. They are down to an average of about 30%. Historically, the rest of their balance sheet is made up of investments. Investment returns for credit unions have all but disappeared. Their income model is under serious pressure. From a cost perspective there is an enhanced compliance regime, which brings additional cost. All the factors put together make it a very challenging environment for credit unions. We are actively engaged with 151 credit unions, that is 151 credit unions which have decided they want to play a part in a restructuring process because they see it as a potential vehicle to improve their current circumstances, be it from the perspective of viability, governance and an ability to comply with regulation.