Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Acting Leader into the hot seat. I am sure she is well fit to handle it.

I would be grateful if the Acting Leader could facilitate a meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, who might come into the House to have a discussion on credit unions in this country. Unfortunately, there are many examples throughout the length and breadth of this country where some of our banks have packed up their suitcases and turned their backs on those who served them for many a long year. In many instances, this has left the credit union as the only financial institution in a given town. Unfortunately, in County Monaghan, we have examples of banks pulling out in Clones and Castleblayney, and even in County Cavan in places like Cootehill, Shercock and Kingscourt.

As I said, the mainstay of a community from a financial perspective is the local credit union. They look after people's savings and loans, offer cash to their customers and provide many other services. We all know we need more competition in the banking sector in this country and I believe the credit union is well placed to provide that. All we need is a pathway from the Government to see how that could be developed further. The one constant we have is the credit union movement. They are in the midst of all our communities to serve the people and they are in for the long haul. I would welcome a debate in the House with the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, therefore, in order that we can chart out that pathway to give the credit unions an even greater role in all financial aspects for the benefit of the community at large.