asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the continued spread of the credit union movement throughout the country and of the desire of those concerned with its operation that specific legislation should be introduced to regulate and control those credit unions; and whether he proposes to introduce, at an early date, legislation specifically designed to regulate, supervise and control their operation.

Being aware of the position as set out in the first part of the Deputy's question, I have already given instructions for the preparation, as early as possible, of legislation which will facilitate the establishment and control of credit unions.

Could the Minister say when we are likely to see the legislation in this case?

At this stage I could not anticipate the date.

Is it likely to be in the spring?

I gave the instruction only quite recently. I do not know how long the examination of the preliminaries will take but I can assure the Deputy that I will expedite the preparation of the legislation.

The Minister would not like to say how recently?

I would, if it were in the context of the Deputy's question. I can assure the Deputy it was several days before I heard from him.