Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I fear that we have returned to Second Stage. I have examined Deputy Morgan's proposal. I do not mean to be critical when I say that the other amendments do not provide for an appeals mechanism. I know the amendments are motivated by the best reasons. The Labour Party amendment is restricted to small and medium sized enterprises and small businesses. There is quite a problem in providing car loans in the State at present. It is important that the Minister is given the flexibility to deal with credit problems as they arise, rather than merely with a particular defined problem that exists now. The nature and scale of the crisis in the institutions is such that it is essential for the Minister to be equipped to deal with any credit problems that affect that economy. That is the purpose of this section of the Bill, as drafted.

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