John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I met representatives of banks in recent weeks. They are very much determined to support small companies. People are using the simplified application procedure operated by Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks and they can appeal the banks' decisions. The banks are clearly supporting viable companies and, naturally enough, are not supporting non-viable companies.

It is very easy to come up with simplistic solutions but the problem is not that simple to resolve. Obviously, one must have an understanding of the position of employers. It is not just a case of getting money to establish a job, as the company must have sufficient capacity and a sufficient base.

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