Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for responding positively to the request to put this amendment in the Bill, as tabled by me on Committee and Report Stages. I would have preferred a more explicit statement on State-guaranteed public projects but I recognise the wording presented by the Minister of State does not prohibit this, so I find it acceptable.

As the Bill passes into law, I acknowledge the Minister of State's comment that he is open to meeting the credit union movement. It is now up to the movement to step up to the mark. It has been seeking this amendment and therefore it should come forward with proposals. It is equally important that the Department of Finance should co-ordinate a position that can be proposed to the credit union movement. This would state the kind of investments envisaged, would point out that the credit unions had wanted the measure and note that it has been enshrined into law in terms as clear as day. It can ask them what their proposals are, ranging from small, medium and large packages. These may be the concern of the Department with responsibility for housing or the Department of Education and Skills, which can put them together with the co-ordination of the Department of Finance. It is a two-way street. I welcome this move.

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