Denis Landy (Labour)

On a more pleasant note following Senator Thomas Byrne, who seems exercised, I welcome two former public representatives to the Visitors Gallery, Jim Drohan and Jack Lalor, from my home town of Carrick-on-Suir. The House acknowledges international dignitaries and it is important also to acknowledge local public representatives.

Does the Leader have an update on any appearance by the two pillar banks at the Oireachtas with regard to the availability of loans to small businesses? ISME published its quarterly report yesterday, showing that 54% of SMEs were refused bank loans in the past quarter. On the other side, the banks say money is available. Something does not add up and we need to address this urgent matter. I raised it a number of weeks ago and last week.

I would like the Leader to give us an update on the announcement in February by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, that the registration charge for septic tank users was to be reduced from €50 to €5. It was to happen in the months of April, May and June. We are almost at the end of June and, in the past week, four people contacted me.