David Norris (Independent)

That is just too bad. I wish I had more time. There are certain areas on which we can focus. I have just been listening to a news report on RTE regarding the Kerry Group, which is a splendid organisation. The Kerry Group began as a little co-op and it now provides 23,000 jobs worldwide. It is to businesses of this sort that we should provide encouragement.

The Minister of State said "It is clear the best way to support businesses and create jobs is to fix the banks". He should return on Thursday when we will be debating the EU-IMF programme for Ireland and we can then discuss how to fix the banks. I know how I would fix them and I am aware of how the citizens of this country would like to see them fixed.

The Minister of State also referred to our export performance, which is fine. He also indicated that "the Government secured a commitment from the main lenders, AIB and Bank of Ireland, to make available not less than €12 billion in total for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs". Is this happening now? Is it possible to believe a word those in these two banks say? Will the position in this regard be monitored? Let us consider the figures provided by Mr. John Trethowan in respect of current practice in the banks. These figures indicate that at least 25% of the applications from small and medium enterprises were improperly rejected. That is the only conclusion one can reach in respect of this matter.

The Minister of State referred to prompt payment by the Government within 15 days of receipt of invoices. It is about bloody time.