Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply but it is totally different from the reality. My reason for asking this question is simple. A number of small industries that are in a position to expand or retain staff are finding it impossible to get cash flow or working capital. This is true of ordinary small businesses that have a proud record in my own constituency of Cavan Monaghan.

The Minister must get down to business and ensure that people with a genuine demand can get money. When will structures be put in place to ensure that viable - and not fly-by-night - good businesses can continue? I spoke to someone who has been in business for 40 years. He told me he could employ another eight or ten people if he could get money from the bank.

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