Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
195. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will report on his engagement with a fund (details supplied) and sector stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72574/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the role credit unions play in supporting the delivery of social housing through the Credit Union Approved Housing Body Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72868/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 198 together.
The credit union sector is an important supporter of housing delivery through the provision of mortgages directly to members, and investment in social housing via the Credit Union Approved Housing Body (AHB) Fund, known as the Credit Union AHB Fund.
Investment in the Credit Union AHB Fund is permitted under Central Bank regulations, introduced in March 2018. Under these regulations, over €1 billion can be invested by credit unions in the Credit Union AHB Fund.
The Credit Union AHB Fund is a fund that all credit unions can invest their members savings in. The Credit Union AHB Fund will then provide loan financing to AHBs in respect of completed social housing units.
The Minister of State has engaged with the Credit Union AHB Fund and credit union sector stakeholders to discuss the levels of investment in the fund.
I am informed that credit unions have invested €43 million in the fund as at 30 November 2025. The Credit Union AHB Fund has/will finance 175 homes in the following counties; Dublin, Cork, Wicklow and Galway.
It is important to note that both I and the Minister of State recognise that the decision to invest in the CU AHB Fund is a commercial matter for each independent credit union and their respective boards.
