John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

If the Deputy had listened to the answer, he would know that I referred to mortgages because if they are not taken up, they can be moved on to the SME sector.

As regards the meetings the Tánaiste had with the banks in terms of businesses, banking and funding, all those issues can be taken up by the private sector in terms of purchasing any company, including the companies the Deputy mentioned. I am sure the State agencies would come to their assistance in terms of whatever they might be able to put into the arrangements. It is a matter for the private sector to deal with that, but the Tánaiste and her Government colleagues are on hand to give the necessary support and direction.

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