Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Finance his proposals to improve the flow of credit in respect of vehicle purchases when customers with good jobs, a reliable credit history and a significant equity in a vehicle purchase are having difficulty in accessing credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27955/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In general, the decision on whether an institution operating in Ireland approves a loan application from an individual is a commercial decision for the institution concerned.

The Deputy will appreciate that a balance must be achieved by Government between influencing private banks through the bank guarantee scheme and other financial support incentives while at the same time being seen to have a hands-off approach to the day to day running of these institutions which must operate on a strictly commercial basis. In this regard, Government action to date has focussed on SME and mortgage markets rather than consumer lending of various types.