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

It is precisely as the Deputy outlines. The idea is that the terms of the credit guarantee scheme, which provides a guarantee of up to 75% on the tranche of the loan covered by the guarantee, will change to 80% in the new revision. This will allow the guarantee to be used as an instrument to support businesses in cases in which their bank is exiting. It is to deal with this sort of circumstances the Deputy is dealing with. We are working to introduce that in the Dáil as quickly as possible.

The Minister for Finance has answered questions on the targets. The Central Bank sets those targets. It has reported that they are on track. There is relevant information in the banks' annual reports, which the Deputy could read. The Central Bank certainly sees the setting of targets as an important aspect of helping distressed SME borrowers into a long-term sustainable position. I do not have the details on when the additional targets will be published.

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