Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Briefly, Mr. Trethowan stated clearly recently that credit availability to the small and medium-sized sector was freeing up. In addition, a report produced by a business representative organisation, namely, ISME, states that matters are improving on the ground. Two issues arise in this regard. First, some businesses are not viable and will not be able to access credit. Unfortunately, this difficulty arises because of the contraction in the economy in 2009 in particular and the challenges that remain. However, viable businesses exist and when such businesses make an application but are refused, they will use the independent appeals mechanism. However, to suggest that no freeing up of credit is taking place is simply wrong and there is an acknowledgement among the people-----

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