Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will require that the credit review group to issue monthly reports on the scale of bank lending to small and medium enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21421/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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You will be aware that on foot of recapitalisations arising out of NAMA, I am imposing specific lending targets on the main business banks, AIB and Bank of Ireland. They will make available for targeted lending not less than €3 billion each for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs in both 2010 and 2011. The two banks were required to submit SME lending plans both by geography and sector for 2010 and 2011 in light of the €3 billion target. These plans were recently submitted to my Department and they are being reviewed by my officials and Mr. John Trethowan, the Credit Reviewer. Following these reviews and the finalisation of the lending plans, I will decide on the appropriate reporting arrangements.