As has been discussed earlier, there is an appalling housing crisis, particularly in the social and affordable area and in getting 3,000 children out of emergency accommodation. The programme for Government gives clear commitments on utilising various agencies and mechanisms, especially the Irish credit union movement. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to:

recognise the potential role that Credit Unions can play in housing finance ... [and to] lift current lending restrictions as appropriate, including for housing. To investigate what role the Credit Union movement can play in the development of new housing, the Department of Finance will engage with the League of Credit Unions to help them develop their housing proposals.

That was a target action for the first 100 days within the programme for Government. For the last three to four years the credit union movement has been saying to the Government that, essentially, it has substantial money on deposit and available to utilise through some vehicle for social house construction. They have not been taken seriously by Government and nothing has emanated-----

We cannot have a lengthy debate Deputy Martin.

-----in respect of housing or regarding the commitment made in the programme for Government, as I have read back out. Perhaps the Minister will indicate when that target or objective in the programme for Government will be achieved.

The credit union movement is being taken very seriously. I met the Housing Finance Agency to talk about what potential role it might have regarding social and affordable housing in particular. I will bring legislation to regulate the approved housing bodies sector, AHBs, in October or November. At that point I should be able to clarify what have been the conclusions of our conversations with the Department of Finance, the credit union movement and the Housing Finance Agency.

Has the Minister met the credit unions?

I have spoken with them, but not directly.