Ivor Callely
Ceist:81 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance his views on the future role of An Post and credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5723/96]
Written Answers. - Role of An Post and Credit Unions.
In the past few years, An Post, with the support of the Government, has made strong advances in the provision of personal banking services, excluding lending, through the introduction of information technology and the automation of its counter transactions. The Credit Union movement has also made huge strides, including the extensive introduction of information technology systems and a major expansion of its community-based branch network. In connection with the latter, I would like to inform the Deputy that my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, is preparing a new Credit Union Bill. In addition to consolidating and up-dating existing legislation, this Bill proposes to allow credit unions to expand their range of financial and advisory services, subject to the approval of the Registrar of Friendly Societies.
It is in view of the implications for retail banking of developments such as these, that the future role of An Post and the credit unions is being considered in the context of the Government's current review of the State banking sector. As I have indicated in previous replies on the latter, this issue is a complex one which requires prudent deliberation and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on it, pending a decision of the Government.