Seanad debates
Wednesday, 9 April 2003
Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2002: Report and Final Stages.
The Bill is trying to marry too many conflicting imperatives. The large financial institutions are entirely driven by high margins and profit-making. That is understandable because they have a responsibility to their directors and shareholders. On the other hand, the credit union movement is driven by a totally different agenda and set of imperatives, namely, low margins and maximum service to the hundreds and thousands of consumers who are its members. It is based on mutual trust. The small saver can be an active participant and a genuine stakeholder in the movement. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's reply.
No comments