Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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79. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a situation whereby a credit union (details supplied) has removed its death grant and refused to reinstate the grant despite a motion passed at the AGM in 2019. [39152/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Central Bank have informed me that credit unions may participate in Death Benefit Insurance schemes whereby a payment, intended to assist with funeral expenses, is made following the death of a member. The Death Benefit Insurance is provided by insurance undertakings. Some credit unions discharge some or all of the cost of the insurance on behalf of their members, while other credit unions have adopted a member pay approach. Central Bank credit union regulations do not place any specific requirements on credit unions that participate in Death Benefit Insurance schemes.

It is a commercial decision for individual credit unions to determine whether they decide to offer Death Benefit Insurance or indeed whether they decide to discontinue providing the service.

The Credit Union Act, 1997 is silent on withdrawal of services or the notice to be provided to members by credit unions before the withdrawal of services. The Registry of Credit Unions expects credit unions to communicate with their members in a clear and transparent manner, including in circumstances where they intend to amend or discontinue an existing service. The Registry of Credit Unions also expects credit unions to give reasonable notice to affected members in such circumstances.

On motions made at general meetings, while Part V of the 1997 Act sets out provisions relating to meetings and resolutions, it is silent on motions moved at general meetings.

As Minister for Finance, I recognise the important role of credit unions as a volunteer co-operative movement and the Government is determined to continue to support a strengthened and growing credit union movement. However, I have no role in the provision of Death Benefit Insurance by credit unions.