Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words on the Bill. Obviously, we have been advised for some time that last September's agreement would be given effect in law. I welcomed it in principle and the Fine Gael Party supported the need to guarantee deposits at the time. However, one must ask questions about the role of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator in the banking fiasco. We used to have good banks, but now the State is investing billions in them.

I wish to raise an issue which, while it may not be completely relevant to the Bill, affects small businesses, farmers and others - their inability to access the necessary finance to keep their businesses going. I have received many calls in recent weeks from people who are under pressure because of income pressures, etc. Back in the 1980s at least the banks would have given them the necessary funding to take account of weather conditions, business conditions, etc. However, that is not the case now. People are finding that small overdrafts are simply no longer available and they find themselves in desperation. Jobs are at stake in areas such as mine. We never attracted a major industry that cost the Government much money. We need something to help small businesspeople and those in the farming sector if we are to retain any employment in areas such as Cavan-Monaghan. I beg the Minister to ensure that whenever he hands over money to AIB, Bank of Ireland or Anglo Irish Bank, he secures a payback agreement that small businesses will be looked after.

See this speech in context