503. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the progress on the Programme for Government commitment to “draft a five-year strategy for the credit union sector to ensure it can fully leverage new opportunities”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59386/25]

The Programme for Government has included a commitment to draft a five-year strategy for the credit union sector. I and the Minister of State intend to co-sponsor a workplan with the credit union sector to determine its Strategic Purpose. I have instructed my officials to draft a member focussed plan that will be inclusive and owned by the sector.

My officials are actively engaged in developing a programme plan, in conjunction with the sector. I expect that in the short term both I and the Minister for State will have the opportunity to consider this plan, including resource commitment and the estimated timelines to delivery of the strategic purpose for the sector.

A sector wide strategy and a focused deployment of credit union resources will support the expansion of financial services to all credit union members.