Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will certainly consider that suggestion. We will make legislative provision for it, but it will require state aid approval if we extend support to SMEs dealing with banks which are exiting. There is another step besides improving the legislation.

The Deputy is right that one of the lessons we have learned is that the way in which banks manage internally the credit guarantee scheme and the way in which we promote it are areas in which we can do better. We will actively promote the scheme, as opposed to what we were doing previously, that is, providing the back office. We have also identified methods within the banking system to give more oxygen to the credit guarantee. The legislative changes we are introducing are essential to drive that new offering. I regard it as a priority and we will push ahead as rapidly as we can.

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