Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will lay the small and medium enterprise lending plans of banks (details supplied) before the Houses of the Oireachtas; the way the banks worked out their lending plans by geography and sector; the considerations and criteria that were used in the organisation of lending plans by geography and sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24533/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, both AIB and Bank of Ireland have each submitted SME lending plans for 2010 and 2011 in light of the €3 billion target. These plans are being reviewed by my officials and Mr John Trethowan, and are the subject of ongoing discussions.

It is my firm intention that summary versions of the plans when finalised will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, the detailed contents include commercially sensitive information which will have to be redacted prior to publication. I do not consider it to be in the public interest to divulge the sectors or geographical areas which individual banks consider offer the best prospects for growth. This information would be of particular commercial benefit to their competitors.