Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I am seriously concerned at the failure of the Government to uphold its commitment in the programme for Government to provide transparency in all its engagements and everything it does. This morning, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, is meeting the media to discuss the half-yearly report from IDA Ireland. This is happening in the midst of the scandal surrounding Rupert Murdoch's business empire, which has made for the most fascinating television I have seen in my life. The Minister is meeting the media instead of coming into the House to talk to us about the failure of banks to provide financing for small and medium-sized businesses. Banks are leading business people up the garden path with offers of financing before, at the last minute, seeking personal guarantees. If the Minister does not attend the House before it rises next week, I will create a major scene. As a member of the Irish Exporters Association and having started my own business during the 1980s recession, I know how difficult it is for businesses in the current environment.

Some €51 million is owed to suppliers of Superquinn but according to the receivers, KMPG, only half that amount will be paid. The reality for any small and medium-sized business is that if money owed to it is not paid in full, it may well go under. When did the negotiations commence which resulted in the Musgrave Group taking over Superquinn? Why were cheques issues at the end of last month which were subsequently cancelled? This would not happen on the island across the water. It is scandalous. We must have transparency on how the deal was done between the Musgrave Group and the owners of Superquinn.

If the Minister does not attend the Chamber to discuss the matter, I will be protesting in some dramatic way. He is meeting journalists today but will not deal with the democratically elected Members of this House and those nominated under the Constitution. It is incredible that he is meeting the media.