Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken or proposes to take to ensure the availability of adequate work capital for the hotel and catering sector in the aftermath of the withdrawal of a bank (details supplied) from the market here; if he has requested any such accommodation for other banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34126/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The withdrawal of any bank from the Irish market is a matter of regret because it reduces the level of competition between banks and causes disruption for the customers of the bank concerned. I note, however, that other banks are mounting campaigns to attract those customers and that at least one other foreign owned bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the Irish market.

The availability of adequate working capital for all sectors of the economy including the hotel and catering sector is crucial to their ongoing sustainability and the Government has taken a number of steps to ensure this availability to viable businesses.

The Credit Review Office has been set up to ensure that the banks are not refusing credit to viable businesses and any businesses who are refused credit should first use the internal appeal process in their bank and then follow up with the Credit Review Office is necessary. In addition, the SME lending plans of AIB and Bank of Ireland mean that credit should be available as required by SMEs. Officials from my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation will work with John Trethowan of the Credit Review Office on options to enhance support for SMEs.