John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I have no difficulty with the scheme because it is a good news story. I look forward to returning to the House in 12 months to say it has been an outstanding success and that we want to increase the capital investment. I ask that the scheme be given an opportunity to commence, Members not to be pessimistic before it commences and let us see how it operates. I am confident it will be successful and provide a new suite of services which the previous Administration promised for many years but did not deliver. It talked about the partial loan guarantee scheme and microfinance, but it did nothing. At least, we have them on the drawing board. I thank the officials behind the scenes for producing the legislative format. The sooner the scheme is included in the Statute Book the sooner business people will be able to avail of it. There is a sense of urgency to make the Bill available.