Mr. Kevin O'Brien:

For the information of the Deputy, there is something called the it makes sense loan which credit unions have put in place. People have to be in receipt of social welfare to participate in the scheme. About two-thirds of credit unions have it in place. It has been put in place to try to address the sub-prime market. Recipients can borrow small amounts of money at credit unit rates. It includes the option of applicants seeking credit union lending to pay off other high cost loans. As Ms McEvoy said, it is for the credit unions to decide their business case and strategy around this. It is part of the solution in terms of making credit available across society.