Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact the credit union movement has developed a product. It is a signal that there is a degree of competition emerging to the main pillar banks. That is very welcome. Many credit unions are active in sub-branch networks in coastal areas and that is very important.

The scheme I am developing, to which I referred in response to Deputy Cahill, is one that will be available to the fisheries sector as well. Through that, the competition that is emerging in financial services in terms of the credit union movement, which I welcome, and the funding that is available in the EMFF programme by means of grant aid assistance means there is a range of financial products and supports available to the inshore sector. I meet regularly with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum where we have an opportunity to discuss the issues.

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