Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Reilly and I will table the amendment again on Report Stage if appropriate. It is unnecessarily restrictive with regard to volunteers but I welcome that the Minister of State has extended the eligibility of those who might serve. The preclusions prior to this were too restrictive and it is a way forward. What is the view of the Minister of State on smaller credit unions in rural and urban areas which depend to a large degree on volunteer support? How does the Minister of State see these being affected, particular when it comes to the restrictions on the terms for which people are able to serve? This will have a further impact. I understand the theory behind it but I am concerned about the practice. Will the Minister of State elaborate further on this before we decide how to proceed?