Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

We must support the policy of ensuring we have a financially viable and credible banking system. The banks have a fundamental role to play in this. I said this publicly on numerous occasions in my previous role. There is a new relationship between the Irish banks and people through the bank guarantee and support through the capitalisation. We must encourage the banks to open up and allow commercial lending to small and medium-sized businesses. The idea of retracting and retrenching overdraft and short-term loan facilities to businesses is not acceptable. I urge, as should every Senator, the banks to accept that.