Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment put forward by Deputy Creighton. While the Minister gave a very plausible explanation as to why he would not accept it, I disagree with him. We continually extol the virtues of SMEs in this country yet there is a perception, much of it based on experience, that much effort is put into facilitating foreign direct investment and other industries but SMEs are not facilitated in their operations. I know the Minister in the past couple of days made an announcement about data analysis research and the investment into it but at the same time, a company in north Wicklow had to take on various arms of the State and met frustration at every hand's corner. Fortunately, it worked out for the company but telling it that the State is assisting SMEs certainly would not wash. I encountered an individual in recent days who had a very successful company. Three-quarters of the company was very profitable and one-quarter brought it down. He did not have the opportunity to save the three-quarters and felt he did not have the money to take on the authorities to try to hold on to that section of his company that was profitable.

Deputy Creighton's amendment tries to facilitate SMEs in meeting the intention in this Bill. I certainly welcome this Bill. The intention behind it and the Minister's motivation for it are very welcome. However, I believe there is a weakness in it that Deputy Creighton's amendment seeks to address. She said she realises it is difficult for Ministers to take on amendments but I do not believe that should be the case. It is not difficult for a Minister to take on an amendment. Surely the case put forward and the fact that the stakeholders are supportive of it should make the Minister at least reflect on it.

The Minister mentioned the Credit Review Office and the 60% turnover, if I heard him correctly. While that is welcome, does it not tell us something about the banks that they are turning down so many cases in the first instance? How many small companies or individuals do not have the wherewithal or are basically afraid to approach the Credit Review Office? We must look again at banks being more amenable. Yes, there must be responsible lending and correct business plans but a 60% turnover shows a clear breakdown in policy between what the Government wants and what banks are actually doing.

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