Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The central question is if the approach of the Government, in saying banks must exhaust all other options before there is a question of the State becoming involved in recapitalisation, risks this problem festering? In the process, genuine businesses could be starved of credit, which will in turn prolong the difficulties in the economy. There is a worry the Government is sitting back on its oars when other governments have moved ahead with other actions. I say this without seeking to prejudice what they may be. We are stuck at base camp one while others have moved on.

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