I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 254 together.
I met with the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) on 15 December 2011 and attended and spoke at the ILCU AGM on 28 April 2012. I also met recently with the Commission on Credit Unions, including its ILCU members, following completion of the Commission's Final Report. In addition, my officials meet with ILCU regularly across a range of credit union issues including as part of the work of the Commission on Credit Unions, which met 29 times during its term.
While the research to which the Deputy refers was not a particular focus of my meetings with ILCU, officials in my Department are of course familiar with it. I am aware that the budgetary consolidation process is impacting on the standard of living of citizens across the country. However, the Government is seeking, insofar as is practically possible, to implement measures in a fair and equitable manner that will not unduly hamper the economic recovery that is underway.