Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

As the time has expired, I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak and will be brief. I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this issue and compliment the Government on the actions taken. Everyone agrees it had to be done and, I hope, for everyone's sake, it will work out.

I wish to raise one or two issues. I have many friends who work at the coalface in banking. They are being frustrated in their efforts to help their customers, many of whom are friends they have known for many years. I refer in particular to people in small businesses who are trying to survive in what is an extremely difficult market. The bank officials are being instructed by faceless bureaucrats who are making rules for them. In turn, they are obliged to pass on such regulations to their small business customers. I recently received a text from a small businessman who employs seven people. He deals with a mainstream bank and has an overdraft facility of €10,000, which he now wishes to renew. He has complied with the regulations regarding overdrafts, which stipulate that one must be in credit for ten days of the year. However, to renew the overdraft facility of €10,000, the bank now insists on 90 days in credit per annum. There is no chance that this man can comply with such a regulation.

It is crucial that the Minister does not forget small businesses and those men and women who employ many others. Together with other Members, I am aware of the pressures such people are under. The Minister is understanding and will do whatever he can to keep control over individuals who make difficult rules and regulations for small businesses that employ many people. The Minister should give them whatever help he can to ensure they survive. The Government has been good to the banks by providing them with this guarantee and the banks in turn should return the favour to those who employ many thousands of people.

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