ETI Committee warns that plans for Credit Union reforms must gather pace

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has noted its concern that progress on legislation to reform the scope and remit of Credit unions in Northern Ireland is not proceeding fast enough.

Committee Chairperson Alban Maginness said: “It has been over a year since the Committee reported its findings and made recommendations that would allow credit unions in Northern Ireland to expand their services and play a greater role in promoting financial well-being and improving financial services for low income and vulnerable groups.

“While we welcome the recent announcement by the Treasury and the Department that a joint consultation and an estimated timeline for all processes required for reform legislation has been put in place, we are concerned that plans are not moving fast enough. It is crucial, particularly during this period of economic turmoil that all our citizens are provided with the financial support and services they require.

“We need assurances from the Department that the time-line set for legislative reform is realistic and will be strictly adhered to”.

The Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Report on its Inquiry into the Role and Potential of Credit Unions in Northern Ireland can be read in its entirety via the following website link

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/enterprise/2007mandate/reports/report05_08_09r.htm.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Committee Membership:

Mr. Alban Maginness (Chairperson)
Mr. Paul Butler (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr. Gregory Campbell
Mr. Leslie Cree
Ms. Jennifer McCann
Dr. Alasdair McDonnell
Mr. Gerry McHugh
Mr. Daithí McKay
Mr. Stephen Moutray
Mr. Sean Neeson
Mr. David Simpson

The Clerk to the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment is:

Jim McManus
Northern Ireland Assembly
Room 424, Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw, Stormont
Belfast BT4 3XX
Phone: 028 9052 1230
Email: jim.mcmanus@niassembly.gov.uk

Media enquiries to:

Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile : 07502 379339
Email: jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

Sinead Murphy
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 5938
Mobile : 07899 864368
Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk