Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is probably aware that five months into his time in government President Hollande of France has fulfilled his election promise of setting up a strategic investment bank which is making €42 billion available to small and medium sized businesses. I asked the Taoiseach yesterday the position regarding our strategic bank and he said it was ongoing. When I said that nearly two years has passed he replied that it takes a while to do that. Does the Government intend to set up a strategic investment bank or has that idea been abandoned? The Ministers can say the banks are open all they like but I know many people in good, sustainable businesses who cannot get money. A strategic investment bank, as promised by the Government, would be a godsend.

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