Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also received one of those phone calls. I thought it was going to be a great surprise. I did not ring back. I just wondered where it came from. They must be making a fortune. They were pushing out calls all day yesterday.

I wish to discuss the Irish League of Credit Unions, ILCU. There are 235 million credit union members worldwide, with 3.6 million in Ireland. Our credit unions have €16.2 billion in assets divided between €13.6 billion in savings and the remainder in loans. I met the ILCU at this morning's launch of international credit union day, but I have also met it in recent weeks. There is fear among local communities about mergers and the idea of super credit unions being formed and not matching their remit of helping those without great incomes or in financial difficulty. We have been chatting about this matter.

Credit unions cannot do anything with the €13.6 billion that is resting in their accounts. Since 2014, they have been willing to fund the building of much-needed social and affordable housing. Will the Leader invite the Minister to the House to provide us with a necessary update on the Central Bank's intentions, EUROSTAT and when the negotiations are expected to be concluded and recommendations expected to be issued? We need clarity on the Government's intentions and commitment towards the funding of social housing by credit unions.