Denis Landy (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I have tracked his work activity since his ministerial appointment, and I have personal experience of it in my own area. I commend him for the work he has been doing. He has been totally engaged with this area and has identified that there is a gaping hole which the legislation aims to fill.

Approximately six months ago, during a debate on a Labour Party Private Members' motion on small business, I asked the Minister of State to instruct both pillar banks to attend the Oireachtas and provide a presentation to us on their procedures, rules and regulations governing the provision of loans to small businesses. Through no fault of the Minister of State, that still has not happened so I am repeating the call now. I know that in recent weeks the Deputy Leader of the House wrote to the Minister of State about this. Day in and day out, I am facing constituents who have been refused loans. In recent weeks I had reason to provide some back-up support to a thriving business involved in the horse industry. The equine sector is facing difficulties at the moment but, while no pun is intended, it has a proven track record. Nonetheless that particular business was refused a loan.