Vol. 519 No. 5
95 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total value of funds held by credit unions in members' accounts; the number of accounts held in credit unions; the tremendous benefit in the community arising from the operation of credit unions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14385/00]
I am informed by the Registrar of Friendly Societies who supervises credit unions that the latest available figures relate to the year ended 30 September 1998. At that date, the total amount of shares and deposits in credit union accounts amounted to £2,812.8 million. While the registrar does not have any figures for the number of credit union accounts, I understand the number of credit union members to have been 1,919,884. I share the Deputy's view of the valuable contribution made by credit unions to meeting the financial needs of their members and thereby assisting the development of their local communities.
