St Raphael's Garda Credit Union

Lobbying Organisation St Raphael's Garda Credit Union

Date published 21 Jan, 2016

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Finance

Period 1 Sep, 2015 to 31 Dec, 2015

Specific Details We called on the current Government to develop a policy for credit unions that would allow and faciliate growth and development of services provided by the Sector. This came on foot of serious ongoing concerns St Raphaels Garda Credit Union has regarding the current legislative environment and how damaging it is for the long term well being of credit unions in Ireland. Our lobbying efforts included writing to our members seeking their support and asking them to contact their local TDs.

Intended results A clear government policy that would set out the future positioning of credit unions in the context of the overall personal finance sector in Ireland. Changes to the Credit Union and Cooperation with Overseas Regulators Act 2012 A review of the work of the commission report and the extent to which it has been implemented or not. A tiered approach to regulation. A review of the Personal Insolvency Legislation to explore anti-competitive concerns. An industry lead forum to be established to explore the future development of the movement. A removal of lending restrictions for credit unions. A removal of the proposed savings cap of €100k as set out in CP88. A review of longer term lending limits as set out in Section 35 of the Act.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Colm Church on Behalf of St Raphael's Garda Credit Union

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Letter (6-10)

Letters were sent to various ministers and public representatives seeking a meeting to discuss our concerns and calling for their support.

Meeting (6-10)

Various meetings were held with public representatives seeking their support to raise the profile of policy related credit union issues for St Raphaels and other credit unions.

Email (21-30)

Various emails were exchanged with public representatives outlining their stance on the issues raised by us, seeking clarification on our concerns, sharing of their responses received from Ministers, advising of proposed actions available to them and arranging meetings.

Phone call (11-20)

Various phonecalls to follow up and arrange meetings.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Noonan Minister (Department of Finance)

Joan Burton Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Social Protection)

Frances Fitzgerald Minister (Department of Justice and Equality)

Michael McGrath TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Robert Dowds TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Marian Harkin MEP (European Parliament)