Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2012
94. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of credit unions that operate debit cards for their customers; the reasons a credit union (details supplied) had to discontinue the debit cards used by its customers. [49119/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Exemptions from Additional Services Requirements Regulations (SI 223 of 2004, SI 107 of 2007 and SI 838 of 2007), credit unions can provide ATM and third party payment services to members. This enables credit unions to provide card services to their members. The Central Bank has advised me that 46 credit unions reported on the 2011 Credit Union Annual Return that they provide such services. These services do not require approval from the Central Bank. However, when providing these services to members, credit unions must ensure that they comply with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the Credit Union Act, 1997. It is also incumbent on credit unions to ensure that they are operationally capable of providing such services without placing undue risk on members’ savings. The Central Bank has stated that it cannot comment on matters in relation to individual credit unions. Any regulatory action by the Central Bank is taken with the specific purpose of protecting members’ savings.
