James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the Cathaoirleach allowing me to speak at this late stage. I echo the comments of Senator Ó Domhnaill and Senator White about the credit review process. A key element is that within six weeks AIB and Bank of Ireland must produce reviews of their lending plans for the SME sector, including farmers and small businesses, a number of which are under threat, as has been mentioned by the Leader several times in the House. In the upheaval of reconstruction that is taking place, it is important that we insist credit is given to businesses. I look forward to the publication of these plans in the next six weeks.

A small but worrying issue, which has thus far gone under the radar is the rise in the prices of petrol and diesel across the country. In my area of County Louth and along the Border, the prices have been creeping up steadily. This must be addressed. I do not know who is the appropriate Minister to deal with this - perhaps the Minister for Transport - but I am sure the Leader will be able to guide me. It is essential that we have a proper debate on this issue, with full and frank statements. There are multinational companies that are taking advantage of the international situation. We must do something about this because it is pressing down hard on our small businesses. Many of these issues are tied in with each other. We must focus on energising our small and medium-sized businesses, whether through credit or the price of fuel. I look forward to the Leader addressing these issues.