We move to the Deputies carried forward from yesterday. I call Deputy O'Loughlin.

I want to raise the issue of credit unions. As the Tánaiste knows, they are volunteer-led, community-based and not-for-profit. Indeed, they are part of the social fabric of our towns. I know this is the case in Newbridge in particular, where for few years we did not have a credit union and moneylenders were very active. Credit unions should not be equated with the banks. Last Friday, with a single stroke of his pen, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, did exactly that. The credit unions pay a number of levies but, as of last Friday, the industry-funded levy has doubled for this year and will quadruple for credit unions by 2022. This is completely wrong. It is punishing our credit unions and their members. I ask the Government to reverse this decision and keep the levy as it is at this time.

I call Deputy Eugene Murphy on the same matter.

I have had strong lobbying on this issue from people in the credit union business. This levy will go up to 50% for the credit unions and they tell me it is going to cost them millions. It will certainly affect credit going to people who need it.

Credit unions are community-based, helpful financial organisations. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin is right that, last week, with the stroke of a pen, the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, changed that. The Government will argue that the banks are paying 100% but my argument is that credit unions are not the same as commercial banks. They play a very important role in our society. I am asking that the Minister for Finance reverse this change because there will be serious consequences down the line, particularly for poor people.

I appreciate the role of credit unions. They are not the same as banks. They have played a unique role for many families across the country in terms of affordable credit and they will continue to do so. Credit unions have a really important role to play now and in the future. In regard to the changes that have been made, my understanding is that they were made following much consultation with credit unions-----

No.

I am afraid they were.

The credit unions were shocked by the decision.

I will ask the Minister to communicate with both Deputies on the rationale for the changes that have been outlined following a consultation with the credit union movement, which was more than aware of the proposed changes and was involved in seeking them in most cases.

That is not true.