Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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160. To ask the Minister for Finance the role credit unions play in supporting the delivery of social housing through the Credit Union Approved Housing Body Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39014/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The credit union sector is an important contributor to the housing market in the area of house lending and investment in social housing via the Credit Union Approved Housing Body (AHB) Fund.

Investment in Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) is permitted under credit union regulations, introduced by the Central Bank of Ireland in March 2018. Under these regulations, over €1 billion can be made available by credit unions to invest in AHBs.

The Credit Union AHB Fund is a fund that all credit unions can invest their members savings in. The Fund will then provide loan financing to AHBs in respect of completed social housing units. Minister of State Troy has recently held meetings with the Credit Union AHB Fund and sector stakeholders to discuss the levels of investment in the fund and whether any barriers to investment exist. I am informed that credit unions have invested €41 million in the fund to date.

It is important to note that neither I, nor the Minister of State, have any role in promoting investment in the fund, as this is a commercial matter for each individual credit union and their respective boards.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on the Programme for Government Commitment on a strategy for the credit union sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39115/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government has included a commitment to draft a five-year strategy for the credit union sector. I and the Minister of State intend to co-sponsor a workplan with the credit union sector to determine its Strategic Purpose and Framework. I have instructed my officials to draft a member focussed plan that will be inclusive and owned by the sector.

My officials are actively engaged in developing a programme plan, in conjunction with the sector. I expect that in the short term both I and the Minister for State will have the opportunity to consider this plan and the estimated timelines to delivery of the strategic purpose and strategy framework for the sector.

A sector wide strategic plan and a focused deployment of credit union resources will support the expansion of financial services to all credit union members.