Denis Landy (Labour)

I thank the Minister of State. We will do that but it is extremely frustrating for this to happen when people have rigorously put business plans together. There appears to be no thinking outside of the box in terms of the banks' attitudes. This legislation provides new opportunities for people. I have a number of questions for the Minister of State.

How are start-up businesses who have no track record by virtue of the fact that they are new but whose owners may have track records from previous employment or life experiences to be treated? Currently people who have been unemployed for more than 15 months can participate in a back-to-work scheme while retaining their unemployment benefit, which is tapered off over three years by 50%, 75% and 100% respectively. Will these people who are trying to upskill and create employment be covered under this scheme? If so, it is important they are aware of that.

The level of funding available to county enterprise boards has been drastically reduced in recent years. These boards do a great deal of good work and provide mentoring for fledging businesses. They also encourage new business. Will those organisations be brought into the loop in terms of their being able to introduce SMEs to the new guarantee system? Senator Healy-Eames referred to the agriculture community, which sector, thankfully, is doing well. I live in rural Ireland. My next door neighbour is a dairy farmer. Young people involved in this sector want to expand.