Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I have looked at previous parliamentary questions on this matter.

It was noted, as was said, that the three credit union bodies have indicated that they are interested in pursuing this. Is there any other institution or group of credit unions on the horizon that we were unaware of up to now? Perhaps the Minister of State will expand on that, if it is the case.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage ultimately has responsibility for formulating policy and proposing appropriate legislation, which is fine. I take the point that credit unions are quite happy with the criteria as outlined by the Minister of State, but will he elaborate on whether he believes the criteria inhibit in any way the potential for credit unions to come together to pursue this? Does he believe that the easing of any regulations to allow for the credit unions to come on board is necessary or appropriate? I would just like some elaboration on that.

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