John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The point is that savings of up to €1 billion a month are made in the domestic economy and we must encourage people to buy Irish goods.

The Deputy referred to the retail sector. I see many manufacturing and high-tech companies in my job which are doing very well. There are already 1.8 million working in this economy. The Government's objective is to make it one of the best economies in which to establish, grow and develop a business. Even in good times there was pressure on small companies.

There are rights and responsibilities when it comes to loan applications. There is a simplification process for going through the procedure. Equally, it is not just about getting credit facilities. Likewise, it is important to get a bank that is fit for purpose. The Government has recapitalised the banks. The Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Bruton, are meeting with AIB and Bank of Ireland to deal with the €3.5 billion ring-fenced by them both to assist growth in the indigenous industry and enterprise sector.

Despite what the Deputy says, up to €15 billion worth of goods will be exported by indigenous companies this year. There are challenges and no one is denying that fact. Business, however, is never simple. The motto in business is "No problem, no business" which the Deputy should know himself. There will always be problems in business from an efficiency and management point of view. It is not just a case of a quick-fix solution of the banks throwing money at businesses to make them viable. We have become far more cost competitive and everyone is getting more value for money in every sense.

The market is improving and I have seen signs of it in the job I do daily.

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