Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Credit Unions.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

129 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of credit unions regarding the delay by the Registrar of Friendly Societies in approving new rules for credit unions which are necessary to give full effect to the provisions of the Credit Union Act, 1997; her views on whether these provisions should be given full effect as quickly as possible in the interests of credit unions and their members; the action, if any, she will take to expedite the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21321/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

The majority of the sections in the Credit Union Act, 1997 (No. 15 of 1997) came into operation on 1 October 1997. The new Act necessitates a change in the standard Credit Union rules, and I am aware that the necessary preparations are under way.

The approval of such rules is, of course, a reserved function of the Registrar of Friendly Societies under sections 13 and 14 of the Credit Union Act. The Registrar is an independent statutory officer, and I have no function in the matter.