Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

This morning we all received a survey from the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association suggesting that 48% of those in small and medium businesses who were surveyed had been refused credit by the banks we are discussing today. I completely agree with Senator Ross that it is a culmination of all the crises which will cause our country to go down the tubes. The banks have a huge role to play in giving credit to small and medium enterprises so they can function, maintain jobs and keep money in circulation. I know the Leader has a keen interest in small and medium enterprises and I ask him to invite the Minister to the House to discuss this issue.

In a discussion last night with friends, I was told of the situation in Iceland, which has gone bankrupt. People there are driving up to get food relief in their swanky 4x4 vehicles. This is happening not far from here. Thank God we are part of the EU and, please God, we will not be in the same situation.