Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

They will not get it from me. We are simply providing options.

On the point regarding credit unions, it might seem strange that building society legislation comes under the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as the Department mainly deals with social and affordable housing, and trying to encourage the private market. This is a throwback to earlier years, when the proper home for the provision of mortgages and building societies was seen to be the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Government has decided in principle that the building societies code should be brought within general financial services legislation at a future date. Senator O'Toole suggested we should have a proper discussion next year on mutuality and related issues. I do not know if that is necessary because this issue might not be under my Department for long.

While I can pass on views, the credit union issue is more appropriate to the Minister for Finance. One of the sections in the Bill approves partnerships. I can foresee building societies using that section to have partnerships with credit unions and to work in that way.

I thank Senators for their support.