Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates. I was a strong supporter of Microfinance Ireland on its establishment. While acknowledging that it could not be a panacea, I saw great hope for young entrepreneurs in this country arising out of its activities. I am disappointed, however, with what the delegates have reported today, particularly their indication that they have not yet been actively involved in engaging with young people. Reference was made to that the age cohort in response to a question from Deputy Dara Calleary.

There is nothing in our guests' report about the age profile of the people for whom their organisation is providing support. I am disappointed by this. When the Minister brought the legislation through the Houses, I indicated my view that there should be a target in respect of young people obtaining access to support. I do not know whether the fault in this regard lies with young people or Microfinance Ireland in the context of actively encouraging them to put themselves forward. I hope Microfinance Ireland will be much more proactive in this regard in the future.

Ms Murray has stated Microfinance Ireland is not in competition with the banks. Many members have referred to the fact that the banks are not lending to small businesses. There are numerous instances in which this has proved to be the case. The reality is, therefore, that Microfinance Ireland is providing an option for those who know they will not be able to obtain loans from their banks. Is Microfinance Ireland actively involved with the banks? In other words, are there brochures available in the branches of the various banks which detail what it has to offer? The problem with the banks is that in recent years they have lost many staff who were able to gauge - from a financial perspective - whether people would be able to repay their loans. We must oblige the banks to make decisions more quickly in order that young people and others who are seeking loans and whose applications are rejected might approach Microfinance Ireland. Matters are not progressing as quickly as I would like because the banks are taking too long to decide whether particular businesses are going to be viable. Microfinance Ireland should link in more with the banks on this matter.

What can be done to improve the level of take-up? I am aware that Microfinance Ireland is running an active media campaign. In recent days a person asked me how one might obtain the necessary information if one did not listen to the radio or read the newspapers. There must be other ways - perhaps via post offices or whatever else - by which Microfinance Ireland can get its message across.

I hope there will be a good level of take-up of the Government's new home improvement scheme, particularly as there are many people who want to get back to work. Will Microfinance Ireland be coming on board in respect of this scheme in order to assist those who want to return to work? The vast majority of those who are unemployed previously worked in the construction sector. It is important that this fact is taken into account.

I do not have a difficulty with the interest rate, particularly as Microfinance Ireland is operating in a higher risk category. What is on offer is as competitive as most bank overdraft facilities. However, I have a problem when it comes to bank charges. Perhaps representatives from the Irish Banking Federation might be invited to come before the committee in order that members will have the opportunity to castigate them for what is happening, particularly in the case of small businesses.

I reiterate that Microfinance Ireland must be more proactive in the context of the approximately 58,000 people under the age of 24 years who are unemployed.