Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Agreed. A direct outcome of the capitalisation programme will be improved access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises and first-time buyers, as well as offering safeguards to those homeowners facing difficulties at this time.

There is no doubt that the economy has been undermined by the actions of some of our bankers. It has clearly damaged our international reputation with regard to standards of corporate governance. The Government is moving now, as a priority, towards reform of the regulatory structure through the proposed full integration of the Central Bank responsibilities with the regulatory and supervisory functions of the Financial Regulator.

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