Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

A survey by Fingal County Council — which is in my and Deputy Varadkar's constituencies — indicated people there are more optimistic about their future and the local economy than they are about the national economy. The Fingal business and employment survey 2008 interviewed businesses across the county of Fingal and I am delighted to say these businesses have responded very positively for the most part. Such is the positive environment for local business in Dublin North that a local enterprise, Simtech, won not just the local Fingal Enterprise Board prize, but also received the top prize at the national enterprise awards.

This positivity, despite the negativity which is fed from those on the other side of this House, will serve Fingal well as we come through the downturn. This attitude will prepare businesses to come out the other side with renewed vigour. To this end, all local stakeholders — county councils, businesses and county enterprise boards — must work together to ensure all constituency and national business interests are given the best opportunities for success in the coming months.

Regarding any recapitalisation of the banks by the Government, I am satisfied that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, will ensure that the banks are forced to give credit to businesses and private individuals through loans for future development and overdrafts. On the county enterprise boards, I am delighted this Government has supported two very successful enterprises in my area, including a new one starting up in Swords.

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