Shane Ross (Independent)

I ask the following question in view of the fact that the Minister of State has said nothing and I will give evidence for that. Phrases such as "The Tánaiste has been in regular contact", "Institutions have been asked to consider", "They are in discussions", "The Government is well aware" and "focus", which appears twice, mean nothing. The Minister of State says the Government will explore, exploit and encourage, but what is it going to do?

This reply indicates that no one in government is aware of the fact that a crisis is taking place. It is asking people to consider and focus, but what is it going to do? Small businesses will go bust next week, during Christmas week. What will the Government do to push banks to ensure money is released to viable small businesses? It should not simply ask them to consider doing something. The Government has powers to force such things to happen. Will the Minister of State tell us what the Government will do, not what it thinks?