Alex White (Labour)

I move amendment No. 16:

In page 56, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following:

"(2) It shall be an obligation of a participating institution to increase lending to SMEs and first time buyers to such an extent as is specified in agreements made by the participating institutions with the Minister whether before or after the passing of the Act and in the absence of such agreement, to the extent specified by the Minister.

(3) A participating institution shall report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on a monthly basis as to the level of lending to SMEs and first time buyers.".

We had very extensive debate on this issue on Committee Stage and I think the Minister prefers to deal with the matter in section 210. Given that is where the Minister wishes to deal with the issue, where we would much prefer to have this amendment adopted, I will withdraw the amendment. However, I draw the Minister of State's attention to the fact that we have something to say on section 210 and have tabled amendments to it.