Mr. Des Carville:

I will respond to some of the other questions. The figure of 6% to which Deputy Casey referred is, I believe, only a start. I am trying to be somewhat positive and look for glass-half-full messages. We are coming off a low base and this figure is by no means the end. I apologise if the statement was not clear in that regard.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan asked a question on the limitation to tier 3 approved housing bodies. Perhaps the conversation should start with tier 1 approved housing bodies. I am sorry that I am ducking the question but it is one for the Central Bank rather than the Department because it is a Central Bank consultation paper. I understand representatives of the Central Bank will appear later so I will leave it to them to comment on that issue if that is okay.

Deputy Mattie McGrath asked about the delay and I believe Mr. Corr covered that issue. He also referred to credit unions being demonised. With respect, I do not agree with that comment. The previous and current Ministers have great time for the credit union sector and the Department intends to continue its efforts to support the sector.