John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. The document, Your Business Your Bank, clearly is an indictment of the Government's attitude towards business when one considers there will have been up to 1,500 insolvencies by the end of this year and that every closure has a great impact on business. The three critical supports for business are, first, the Government has bailed out the banks, second, one would assume that banks would invest in small companies and, third, small companies in turn would retain jobs. Unfortunately, difficulties are being encountered by all families in every situation. I also listened to the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, with regard to the commitment given by the banks. However, I refer to the costs associated with drawing down a loan at present. Although the banks may sanction loans, they are placing caveats, legal charges and stipulations on them with the result that even though such loans are being granted, many businesses are unable to draw down the money. The Minister of State should outline to Members what he intends to do about the banks' failure to facilitate businesses on the ground, despite committing the aforementioned billions of euro. People are not getting working capital and viable businesses are closing.

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