Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I use the example of Deputy Durkan only because he is the longest serving Deputy present in the Chamber. Why should a term be imposed on people who wish to serve voluntarily on boards of directors in their local communities? Perhaps that could be examined.

Electronic payments were mentioned. The Bill fails to enable credit unions to offer electronic payment accounts, something that must be addressed. There is the issue of social finance. The Bill should be amended to allow credit unions provide finance to Government-backed or guaranteed schemes, and projects with social benefits.

I welcome that there is an extension of time. We have until tomorrow morning to submit amendments, and my party will do so. Given the wide range of support for the credit union movement among all political parties, I hope the Government will not act in the usual political partisan manner in regard to this Bill and will take on board the amendments that will be proposed, both from its own backbenchers and from Opposition Deputies, to ensure that we protect and sustain the future viability of the great credit union movement of Ireland.

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