Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very positive to hear the example the Deputy has of the acquisition of the Bank of Ireland building in Bantry. I know the building the Deputy is referring to and I can only imagine that will have a positive impact on the presence of credit union services to her constituents. We will continue to work within Government with the sector to try to support it, in an appropriate way, in the development of its services to our economy. There is a rare opportunity ahead for this movement, which many of its members appreciate, in the changes they are making. This is in two different ways. First, as the cost of living becomes more intense for many communities the services our credit unions offer members will become even more needed and appreciated. Second, as the Deputy has shown in her example from Bantry, as other changes happen in the provision of banks, credit unions are taking their places.

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