Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Many households and businesses are in crisis and credit unions are ready to provide vital assistance. Are the Minister or the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, looking into what measures they can bring in immediately to allow them to take advantage of the place of credit unions in the community and their balance sheets? I realise the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, are pursuing larger policy reforms, which is so welcome, but are there any aspects of that which could be accelerated now to help the sector and communities in the more immediate future? Some 77 credit unions offer current accounts, including Access Credit Union and First South Credit Union in Cork South-West. With the closure of bank branches and entire banks that service will be increasingly important, especially in rural areas. What steps is the Minister taking to help more credit unions offer those current accounts? The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland has 19 credit unions engaged as SME lending partners. That is a welcome development to support and enhance the sector. Could the Minister clarify how he is helping other interested credit unions to enter that arrangement?

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