Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to refer to an optimistic report that was published by Deloitte in recent days. Nine out of ten chief financial officers of various companies throughout the country who were surveyed said they believe the Irish economy has returned to growth, or will do so during the coming year. They also believe that exports, gross domestic product, foreign direct investment and employment levels will increase this year. It is to be welcomed that people who exercise a great deal of control over the spending of various organisations have such an optimistic outlook. Despite the rebound in confidence, Irish business remains concerned about the tight credit situation, which is continuing to restrict business growth. Some 19% of the chief financial officers believe new credit is difficult to obtain from Irish banks. Some 33% of them believe it is difficult to obtain credit from foreign banks. I ask the Leader to organise a debate with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation so that we can get an update on the 2014 Action Plan for Jobs and discuss the availability of credit to businesses that are seeking to expand or are struggling to survive.