Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is a fine Bill. I am in favour of it and what the Minister is doing so quickly. My question relates to section 8(1)(h), the function to provide finance to projects which promote the economic development of the State. Has the Minister given any consideration to whether the strategic banking corporation could serve as a resource to promote social and environmental development?

As the Minister is probably aware, KfW, one of the sources to supply the strategic banking corporation, has functions in addition to lending directly to SMEs. These can drive not only economic development but social and environmental development by providing finance to housing and environmental protection. The House has had many debates on the promotion of social and environmental enterprise and social innovation. In the context of this particular corporation, is there any opportunity for those sponsoring such initiatives to access finance from this source? Oftentimes, given the overall objectives of these enterprises it is difficult to access the finance.