Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Deputy Michael Noonan, for coming to the House to deal with this serious matter for the members of both Newbridge and Naas credit unions. I am a member of the latter organisation and am coming at the issue from a Naas perspective. I hope the Minister will be able to allay the fears of the people of both towns. Will he ensure, for example, that there are sufficient funds, should the proposed merger take place, to cover the existing loan book of the Newbridge facility? There is a fear among members in Naas that the funds will not be adequate not only to cover already problematic loans but also loans that might become problematic in the future.

There is also a concern among members of Naas credit union that their voice will be diluted as a consequence of the proposed merger. I am seeking an assurance that they will continue to have a strong voice in the organisation they worked hard to develop over many years. As it stands, members receive dividends on an annual basis. Can the Minister confirm that members of the proposed merged entity will continue to be facilitated with an annual dividend?

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