Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will lift the restrictions under Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 as it prevents credit unions from servicing their members and communities and is blocking the growth and development of credit unions here. [28223/06]

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Committee whose task it is, will examine the issue of long term lending by credit unions; when it is envisaged that this review will be completed; and if they have begun the review yet. [28998/06]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has concluded the review of credit union powers in respect of loans and mortgages; when he expects to communicate his decision to the credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29476/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 463, 465, 471, 496 and 523 together.

I referred the case for a review of the limits on longer term lending set out in section 35 of the Credit Union Act, 1997 to the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC) earlier this year. In July, CUAC — the statutory expert advisory body on credit union matters — advised me that a review should take place to see if a change in the lending limits is advisable at this time taking all relevant factors into account.

A review group has now been established chaired by my Department comprising representatives of the Financial Regulator, the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) and the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) to report to me by the end of next month. I will consider the matter further in light of the outcome of the work of the review group.