Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The relationship with other banks arose during my discussions with NAMA, which has a remit to work with AIB and Bank of Ireland. However, even though it does not have the same relationship with Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, these banks are also obliged to lend in a prudent and sustainable manner. I acknowledge that the withdrawal of Bank of Scotland is an issue of considerable concern to hoteliers, particularly in respect of credit availability over the winter months.

I was struck by the fact that fewer hotels than anticipated are going into NAMA. It now appears that it will only control between 60 and 70 hotels. In so far as it has a public policy remit, we can be assured that it will not depress the market by selling them off immediately and it is anxious to take advice on the public policy issue of the range and categories of hotels needed.

In regard to the other banks, I do not know if it would be helpful to engage with the Irish Banking Federation but I am happy to do so.

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