Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

For many reasons, the Bill shows the importance of the debate we are having on the Lisbon treaty and the decision the Irish people will make on 2 October. That is an aside but it is critical to point out that the European Central Bank has stepped in to ensure that there is liquidity in the Irish market.

The major banks were capitalised and €3.5 billion was provided to two major institutions. That allowed the banks to try to open up credit supplies to small and medium enterprises.

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