Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Hannigan expressed concern regarding the banks facilitating the small and medium sized enterprises. The ten day period during which the banks were to inform the Minister for Finance in this respect will be up on Friday. The businesses of one of two colleagues have been under serious threat during the past 24 hours. I am pleased to inform the House that the banks have been forthcoming in understanding and facilitating businesses. It is good to hear such is the case from the SMEs. The priority in this period of economic downturn is that the banks and the Government must back the SMEs to the fullest possible extent. I look forward to this taking place.

Senator McFadden pointed out that there are 56,000 on the social housing list. I know that the number of people on the housing list in County Westmeath is fairly low. We both know the housing officer——