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

I know. It also comes back to the issue of diverging viewpoints. It is interesting that SMEs are repaying loans and that the level of lending is being outstripped as a result. The focus of SMEs is to consolidate their businesses before they begin to expand. This is reflected in the overall economy at present. The banking sector is also shrinking. There must be some encouragement from Government and it must inform businesses that they have paid back enough and that if they expand their operations, they will repay their outstanding balances more quickly.