Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

Question 4: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views, following a recent publication by Irish Small and Medium Enterprise which stated that some 54% of its members surveyed were refused extensions to overdrafts, term loans and stocking loans in recent weeks, on credit availability to businesses here; if she has had communications with the banking sector regarding the ease of flow of credit to specifically, the small and medium enterprise sector; the proposals in place or being prepared to ensure that SMEs are able to access credit in order to continue trading; if principles have been agreed to, within the banking sector on the issue of lending to SMEs; if she is satisfied that sufficient action has been taken by her to assist SMEs accessing credit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41986/08]

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