Credit Unions support the ordinary saver in accordance with their statutory object – to promote thrift among its members by the accumulation of their savings. This will continue, indeed funds are flowing into credit unions as they are highly trusted.
On 15th June 2020, a proposed merger between St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union & St Jarlath’s Credit Union was announced. Combining the resources of the two successful credit unions will create one of Ireland’s most significant credit unions, which will be hugely beneficial for members, local communities and Galway in general. The two credit unions have successfully collaborated on a number of initiatives over the past number of years, and have also been to the forefront of many major projects which have benefited them and indeed other credit unions throughout the country. In particular these have included digital-marketing and member engagement roll-outs. The two credit unions are strong both financially and reputationally, and with the advances they have made in digitising their services, they have significantly improved member experiences by making it easier for people to do business with their credit union.
CUDA, particularly through its collaborate digital development hub, the Solution Centre, is hugely impressed with the innovation and sector leadership shown by St Anthony’s & Claddagh and St Jarlath’s Credit Unions over the last few years and wish them well with this initiative.
Many thanks to all who joined the conference call this afternoon where Peter Mitchell, Business Talk, provided us with helpful advice, best practices and tips. Peter spoke of having key messages, express understanding, important factors around crisis communications, what to do next, how to deal with worries and threats, and finally how to perform in a local Radio Interview. The following is a summary of the points covered by Peter:
Following the Taoiseach’s announcement this afternoon, please click here to see the list of essential retail outlets.
As you are aware there has been considerable discussion on the status of Credit unions, we can now confirm we are considered an essential retail outlets, which must implement social distancing measures.
We will update you when further information is available as to how this gets implemented.
Regards for now, Kevin
RE: Conference call with Minister Donohoe, Dept of Finance, CUDA, CUMA, ILCU, NSF
The Minister opened by updating stakeholders on how the evolving situation will impact people from both a public health standpoint and also economically;
Hello all,
Your credit union is a vital and essential service in your respective communities. For many members you are their only source of key services, such as access to credit, their income, their savings and payment services. Over the coming months you will continue to be a vital service in overcoming the impact of Covid-19 as members continue to need these key financial services.
Hello again,
Quick update on treatment of premises should a staff member display symptoms of Covid-19 virus and be obliged to self-isolate and/or be tested. We have spoken with HSE officials this am, who were extremely helpful and understanding, and they advise that the staff member effected is immediately sent home, or informed to stay at home, and follow the instructions for self-isolation or request a test as set out at www.hse.ie.
Hello all,
We have just become aware of one credit union, in the South West, where a staff member is obliged to be tested for Covid-19 and this could force temporary closure of that office, for deep cleaning and a replacement front line team. This credit union is fortunate to have a branch network, and therefore the continuation of key services to members is maintained.
Hello and good morning all,
Further to yesterday evening’s update the Central Bank have now published the following statement. Please share this with your colleagues who are handling queries from members.
Hello all,
We hope you are keeping well as you deal with this unprecedented challenge for everyone. We fully appreciate how difficult it is for you and your teams as you try to support concerned members. CUDA will continue to keep you updated and provide you with as much practical supports as we can. We have a good up-take with regard to the new web form and now have non owner member credit unions requesting access to it.
