Call For Minister To Develop Strategy For Credit Union Sector

The Minister for Finance has been urged to "urgently make good" on a commitment to develop a strategy for the growth and development of the Credit Union sector.

Fianna Fáil's Finance spokesperson, Michael McGrath, made the call following receipt of a Parliamentary Reply, which confirmed that fewer than 10% of credit unions with individual member savings of over €100,000 have applied to the Registrar to be allowed to continue to hold these savings.

"Fianna Fáil championed the cause of Credit Unions in the last Dáil. We were the only party to recognise the proud tradition that Credit Unions have in communities throughout the country," Deputy McGrath said.

"As banks restrict in-branch services, Credit Unions provide important competition and choice to consumers. We will be insisting that Minister Noonan must make good on the pledge made in the Framework Agreement entered into between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to support the growth and development of the Credit Union sector.

"Following the passing of the Credit Union Act 1997 (Regulatory Requirements) Regulations 2016, a maximum limit of €100,000 was imposed on individual members’ savings by the Registrar of Credit Unions. This measure was the subject of considerable controversy when proposed. Following a Fianna Fáil Private Members motion on the issue, the Central Bank agreed to allow Credit Unions that held individual members’ savings in excess of €100,000 at the time of the regulations coming into force, to apply for approval to the Central Bank to retain these savings, subject to certain criteria.

"I never agreed with the €100,000 limit on Credit Union savings and the haphazard way in which it was introduced as it placed unnecessary constraints on the amount of money Credit Union customers could have on deposit.  It also inadvertently sent out the signal that Credit Unions are less safe than competitor financial institutions. The cap on savings caused reputational damage to Credit Unions even before the modification to it was put in place.

"The Central Bank solution to the issue was to allow Credit Unions to apply to keep funds greater than €100,000. The fact that so few have applied seems to indicate that either the criteria or the process itself is very restrictive. This is further evidence of the need for an urgent strategy for the future growth and development of the sector."

(MH)