Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

At the time of the budget, the Minister for Finance promised us a social investment fund to which the banks promised €25 million in lieu of the €100 million annual levy. The Minister indicated this would require legislation. Can the Tánaiste say if the Attorney General examined this issue? This fund is badly needed. Many community groups do not qualify for commercial lending from banks because the risk profile is too high. Apparently the banks have given their miserable €25 million contribution in return for dropping the €100 million levy——

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