Michael Healy-Rae
Question:62. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Consultation Paper 88; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40761/15]
View answerWednesday, 18 November 2015
Questions (62, 63)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:63. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Consultation Paper 88 and lending restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40762/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
The Credit Union and Co-operation with Overseas Regulators Act 2012 (the "2012 Act") was signed into law by the President in December 2012.
It was agreed at that time that it would be neither practical nor feasible to commence the 2012 Act in its entirety in one fell swoop. Following on from that, an implementation timetable for the 2012 Act was devised in consultation with stakeholders, including credit union representative bodies.
Commencement of all sections of the 2012 Act has been aligned with the credit union financial year and the introduction of the underpinning Central Bank regulations, with a view to implementation of the 2012 Act in a coherent and cohesive manner. This has provided credit unions with the time necessary to ensure that the required processes and procedures are in place prior to implementation of each tranche.
I have met with the three credit union representative bodies and the perceived impact of the new regulations was discussed. It is my intention to commence the remaining sections of the 2012 Act on 31 December 2015 in line with the introduction of the regulations by the Registrar of Credit Unions. These sections of the 2012 Act, when commenced, will replace, amend or supplement existing sections of the 1997 Act.
As outlined in the Central Bank's feedback statement on CP88, as part of the consultation process I proposed that in the interests of clarity and fairness, credit unions are provided with details of the process of applying for a retention of savings above the limit amount. I have been informed by the Registry of Credit Unions that all credit unions have been contacted giving further information on its application criteria for the retention of savings in excess of €100,000. The Registry of Credit Unions intends to engage with the representative bodies and to invite comments from them prior to finalisation of the application process. When the application process is finalised, the Registry will provide an application form and explanatory notes in order to assist credit unions. It is anticipated that application forms will be available during December 2015. It is envisaged that applications will be accepted in the first quarter of 2016 and that applicant credit unions will be informed by the end of the second quarter of 2016 on the outcome of the process, which is well within the 12 month transitional period. Where a credit union has demonstrated that it meets the criteria, it will be in a position to retain members' savings in excess of €100,000 held at the commencement of the regulations.
I welcome the steps that have been taken to provide clarity for credit unions on the criteria for the retention of savings over €100,000 and also welcome the Central Bank proposed engagement with the representative bodies to seek their comments on the application process.
The Central Bank has also informed me that it is committed to undertaking a review of the continued appropriateness of the savings limit, once the impact of the restructuring process can be assessed. It is envisaged that this review will commence within three years of the introduction of the regulations. My officials have asked the Central Bank to consider accelerating this review and this is under consideration by the Central Bank. The Central Bank has agreed to provide regular updates to my Department on developments in this matter.
I have been informed by the Central Bank that it has been necessary to put lending restrictions in place in credit unions where there are regulatory concerns and resultant risk to members' savings. These lending restrictions are reviewed on a regular basis to determine whether or not they are still set at appropriate levels.
In February 2015 the Central Bank commenced a lending restriction review initiative, whereby credit unions that are subject to a lending restriction, but are satisfied that they have made the necessary improvements and have embedded these improvements in robust risk sensitive lending practices, could apply for a review of their lending restriction. The closing date for receipt of applications to review lending restrictions under this initiative was 30 September 2015.
The Central Bank further informs me that 59% of applications received have been reviewed. Of the applications which have been fully reviewed, 83% have had their lending restriction lifted and are now operating under the board's stated credit risk appetite. C.40% of credit unions that applied made their application in September. These applications are currently under review.
This review has reduced the number of credit unions with lending restrictions as currently approximately 39% of credit unions have a lending restriction compared with 52% at the start of the review process.
As indicated in the Central Bank consultation paper CP88, where credit unions can demonstrate improvements in their credit risk management practices in line with strengthened regulatory framework, it is anticipated that the use of credit union specific lending restrictions as a regulatory tool will reduce over time.
The Central Bank has further informed me that it has now contacted all credit unions inviting them to attend upcoming information seminars being held around the country from 17 to 30 November. These seminars will provide credit unions with the opportunity to engage with the Central Bank on the new regulations and to discuss development of the credit union business model, including any changes to the regulatory framework that might be required to facilitate those developments. This engagement will also enable the Central Bank gain a better understanding of the sector's objectives regarding longer term lending, including the provision of mortgages to members. and to review the conditions that currently apply for credit unions to be approved to extend their longer term lending limits.
The Government's priorities remain the protection of members' savings, the financial stability of credit unions and the sector overall and it is absolutely determined to continue to support a strengthened and growing credit union movement.