Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The proposed introduction of minimum pricing of alcohol might make it seem that the Government is serious about combating the problem of drinking. However, this only seems to be the case. In reality, the Government is taking a very half-hearted approach to the issue as is evident from the fact that the proposed ban on the sponsoring of sports events by drinks companies appears to have been shelved. That is not a sign that the Government is taking this grave issue seriously. I was concerned to read earlier that there was a possibility that the European Commission would block the introduction of minimum pricing on the basis that it would be a barrier to trade. Many Irish people will be extremely concerned that the European Union, on the basis of its concerns about trade, might interfere with what is, in effect, a decision relating to public health in Ireland. This is a classic example of "competence creep" on the part of the Union and it should be resisted in every way possible.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business in order that the House might engage in an urgent debate on the state of credit unions. I am particularly concerned about the position of Newbridge and Maynooth credit unions. As people are aware, both institutions appear to be having mergers forced upon them without any discussion with their members or boards. In recent days Maynooth Credit Union and the Irish League of Credit Unions took the Central Bank to court. People throughout the country are concerned about the state of credit union finances and reserves. An older person from Newbridge whom I met recently expressed concern about her life savings, which are held in the local credit union. She asked me whether they would be safe. She wants to leave her money in the credit union because she believes in the concept behind and values espoused by credit unions. Her local credit union has helped her out in the past, but she is now concerned about the safety of her savings. I would be gravely concerned about the situation at Newbridge Credit Union, particularly if Naas Credit Union decides not to merge with it. Will the Minister for Finance come before the House to inform us whether, in the event that Naas Credit Union declines the merger, Newbridge Credit Union will face liquidation or whether the proposal from the Newbridge Credit Union Action Group will be taken up? The Minister needs to outline what is going to happen in the event that the merger fails. We must ask whether the Central Bank is on a mission to undermine the community credit system in Ireland.