Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I would not disagree with the Deputy's comments. The Minister of State has met with the banks' representatives on a number of occasions. We have called on them to support people in a pragmatic way. As I indicated, the Bank of Ireland has done so and my assumption is that at local level all the relevant banks will involve themselves with the humanitarian needs of these businesses, farmers and others who have been affected substantially by the flooding. Equally, an up-front payment from the insurance companies would be hugely beneficial. This issue was raised at the meeting with the Small Business Forum last week. The Minister of State took the meeting after I had to come to the House. We had further discussions on the matter in that context.

We will continue to engage on these issues. We can also engage with the Department of Finance on consideration of the amendment to the Credit Union Act.

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