Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is an interesting point. Both those organisations deal with the Department of Finance. An Post has a good arrangement with AIB and Bank of Ireland for dealing with its cash business and everything like that. Especially as Ulster Bank is withdrawing from Ireland and the other banks have announced many branch closures, there is a fantastic opportunity for credit unions. In many towns throughout Ireland the credit union is the only financial institution left standing. Most of those areas may or may not have a post office or vice versa. I am loathe to suggest collaboration as I do not know that the credit unions would appreciate that but there is a logic in what the Deputy is saying. Both organisations have a strong tradition and are respected by the people. An Post and the credit union are probably the two most respected brand names in the country. However, both are separate organisations. It is an interesting point people may wish to speak to me about.

On the other point about the credit unions, if the Deputy wants to contact me through my office I will be happy to follow up any individual case and if needs be meet the credit union involved.

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