Average CU loan here double that in North
By Niamh Hennessy - Friday, March 12, 2010THE average credit union loan in the Republic of Ireland, at €8,933, is double that in Northern Ireland.
The 2009 Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) annual results showed average loans in the Republic increased 1% last year and by 3% in the North.
The average borrowings in the Republic was significantly more than average savings per member, which were €4,026 in 2009.
Last year one in 10 credit unions did not pay a dividend to members as more than 90% of institutions delivered a surplus.
The report showed 70% of credit unions paid dividends to members of more than 1%, of these 27% paid more than 2%.
Total assets held by credit unions which are members of the ILCU grew by 1%.
ILCU president Mark Bailey said this year has proved "challenging and difficult" for all financial institutions but added that most credit unions are performing very well given the circumstances.
"We are actively managing our financial affairs in a conservative and prudent manner to minimise exposure to our members in these difficult times.
"In addition credit unions are taking measures to ensure sufficient reserves are held to guard against exposure should there be any further deterioration in the general economy."
He did admit however that the economic downturn has had an effect on the credit union movement.
"However we are satisfied that the credit union movement is safe, strong and secure, and continues to provide sustainable worthwhile financial services for our members countrywide.
"Unlike other financial institutions credit unions are still providing loans and are still offering credit to our existing members and are welcoming new members to the movement every day.
"Overall, the credit union movement is well constructed and positioned to withstand much of what is currently threatening the stability and viability of the banking sector," he said.
ILCU chief executive Kieron Brennan defended the movement, saying credit unions don’t borrow on the money markets looking to lend it on at a premium.
"We take in savings from our members and lend money to our members and do not seek to make a profit from it. And if we do generate a surplus we hand it back to our members in the form of a dividend," he said.
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