Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

My priority is to ensure that the business environment is supportive of Irish enterprise generally and that we continue to attract high-value foreign direct investment and assist the development of indigenous industry.

In addition, the Government has taken decisive action to restore the flow of credit to business, particularly small and medium enterprises, which are the main source of employment in the economy. Undertakings required of the main banks in the recent recapitalisation exercise will ensure that these banks repay the debt they owe to the Irish taxpayer by restoring the flow of credit to enable business to exploit the opportunities offered by recovery in global markets. The Minister has met with representatives of the banks and will continue to monitor their activities closely to ensure they fully honour the commitments given in this regard. These actions taken by the Government will ensure that the Irish economy is well placed to take advantage of the international recovery and restore growth in economic activity and employment.

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