Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

Yesterday, the credit ratings agency Standard & Poor's downgraded its risk assessment in respect of Irish banks. The agency is particularly concerned with regard to economic conditions for small businesses and stated that, while our guarantee in respect of the banks addressed short-term liquidity problems in the Irish market, it failed to take account of long-term issues. Will the Leader request that the Minister for Finance update the House on the current position in respect of the bank guarantee?

On the pigmeat crisis, it is great that a resolution was arrived at in the early hours of this morning. I wish to compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, on being so quick off the mark. I understand he will be visiting France and Spain and spreading the good news that the crisis has been resolved. There has been a great deal of negative press coverage in respect of this matter. For example, certain UK newspapers indicated that Irish farmers had been feeding pigs with plastic bags. Everyone will recall the stories relating to the Austrian wine scandal and difficulties with olive oil in Spain. It is important to ensure that confidence in Irish meat products be restored. I compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the swift action he has taken.