Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I ask the Minster, in the context of recapitalisation, to go back to the Cabinet room before it is too late and say that the €450 million required for this scheme will recapitalise the banks. It is not money for farmers but it will enable them to meet their requirements to continue in business.

I have one final question for the Minister. Will he meet the farmers' interest repayments? He stated the payments would be in the order of 40%, 40% and 20% over three years, which I reject as unacceptable. To make that more palatable, will he meet the contingent interest liabilities that farmers must pay in the meantime?

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