Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Minister for Finance the terms of reference of the credit supply steering group; when it is expected that the steering group will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27433/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the context of the recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland, the recapitalised banks agreed to fund and co-operate with an independent review of credit availability to be managed jointly by the banks, Government and business representatives. The intention behind the review was to obtain a clear picture regarding the flow of credit in the Irish economy which will inform future policy. The steering group for the review consisted of representatives of the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Forfás, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Banking Federation and the six main banks involved in lending to SMEs, business representatives from ISME, Chambers Ireland and Small Firms Association. It was this steering group who were initially tasked with setting the terms of reference for the independent review of bank lending. The final report of the Review of Lending to SMEs has now been received and shortly will be published. The complete terms of reference are included in the report, which will be made available on my Department's website once published.