Minister praises NMCU during Mullingar visit
North Midlands Credit Union (NMCU) has been praised by a government minister for remaining true to its community roots while being at the forefront of the changes currently taking place in the sector.
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, was in Mullingar this morning to meet with representatives of NMCU and 12 other credit unions from across the region to discuss the new Credit Union (Amendment) Bill she is bringing to the Oireachtas tomorrow that will, if passed, enable credit unions to increase the range of services provided to its members.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner after meeting, Minister MacNeill said that she is “very positive” about the future of the credit union movement in Ireland.
She added that the Credit Union (Amendment) Bill will enable credit unions to provide a greater range of services to its members.
“It's really important legislation that will be the bedrock for the credit union movement for the next 20 years enabling them to work more collaboratively to provide current accounts, mortgage products [and other services] to people no matter where they are in Ireland.
“What we are trying to do is to maintain the community focus and presence of the credit union in every town and at the same time being able to get your current account, your mortgage through your credit union. The credit union can do it all.
“...It is so important for the credit union sector to take full advantage of these and all the opportunities the Bill facilitates to secure their future.”
Tom Allen, manager of North Midlands Credit Union, said that the meeting with the minister was “very positive”.
“We had 13 different credit unions and representatives from other organisations and every one of them was very supportive of what the minister is doing and the legislation that is going through the Dail at the minute.
“It will give credit unions a huge boost and a real opportunity to develop their services, particularly in the area of mortgages and business loans so we are really enthusiastic for the future.”