Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I share in the sympathies expressed on the death of Garda Kevin Flatley, which was a tragedy to befall the force and, most particularly, his family.

I offer my sympathies, those of my Fine Gael colleagues and, I am sure, those of the House on the passing of former councillor Senator, TD and Minister, Paddy O'Toole, who passed away over the weekend. Paddy O'Toole was a native of Erris and went to Ballina to teach in Knockanillo National School, where his commitment to education and local development laid the foundations for his future in public office. He will be sadly mourned from his native Doohoma all the way to Ballina. I offer my sympathies to his wife, Jacqueline, his children, Jackie, John, Padraig and Helen, and his relatives, neighbours, colleagues and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.

May I raise an issue that has caused huge concern for communities in County Mayo and that has been highlighted by my colleague Councillor Alma Gallagher in Ballyhaunis, namely, the reduction of services of five credit unions, in Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Swinford and Kiltimagh? These are five First Choice credit unions and they have announced only recently that they are going to reduce their services down to three days. Councillor Gallagher and the chamber of commerce met officials from First Choice Credit Union to relay their dismay, frustration and anger at such a move. A decision was due to be made last week but it has now been put off until the end of May. These changes and decisions are due to be enacted by 14 June. It is totally unfair when we have seen power outages and a recent finance Bill that refers to access to cash for communities. The credit union is supposed to be of the people and for the people. Unfortunately, despite this there is a proposal to reduce operating hours. I would like us to invite the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to discuss this. I have reached out to him and look forward to working with him on the matter and supporting Councillor Alma Gallagher to achieve a satisfactory outcome in order that the affected towns and villages, namely, Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Swinford and Kiltimagh, which have been neglected and deserve better, will have access to proper credit union services.