The small business sector in Ireland is in crisis. There are thousands of small, indigenous Irish businesses barely hanging on, with many employing three, five, ten or 15 employees and now really struggling. The very concept of indigenous Irish business is at risk because of the failed banking strategy of the Government.

Last January the Tánaiste committed to the introduction of a loan guarantee scheme. I understand there is a great deal of messing going on between the Department of Finance and the Department Enterprise, Trade and Innovation about the introduction of the scheme. As we talk in this House about consensus and a move towards putting forward solutions for what is the greatest economic crisis that the Government has led us into, what has happened to the loan guarantee scheme?

With regard to supports for small business and the work of Enterprise Ireland, the schemes which have been introduced are successful and have been very helpful to more than 1,800 firms in the country. The question of loan guarantee must be considered very carefully. We have already been given credit plans from the banks to ensure that on the basis of their successful recapitalisation they will be in a position to extend credit lines to business. The issue of the State being a further guarantor in respect of loans in business, in addition to what security businesses are already providing, is something that must be carefully considered and is under discussion.

As Deputy Bruton pointed out yesterday, a third of county enterprise boards have no seed capital; they cannot help anybody but can pay their own staff. The Government had no problem in putting out approximately €40 billion for recapitalisation of the banks or Anglo Irish Bank. This type of scheme operates in many countries and where they are well designed and constructed, they are commercially driven and self-financing without being a burden on the taxpayer. Banks have only been accustomed to lending where property and assets were involved and they have never been accustomed to lending to small Irish businesses who want to get into manufacturing, exports, food or tourism. These are the areas where we know serious job potential exists. Currently, many businesses which want to use initiative and creativity to get into these areas cannot get the required assistance because the banks' strategies are not as forthcoming as they should be.

In January, the Tánaiste and the Government committed to a loan guarantee scheme but it has not seen the light of day. I recognise that it must be vetted but there is a great degree of messing going on between the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. The scheme has not seen the light of day and thousands of small Irish businesses are hanging on by their fingernails. There are 80,000 small businesses in the country employing almost 800,000 people. Not every problem can be solved but this has a solution. The Government committed to the issue but we cannot believe it any more. Will the Taoiseach drive the process through so that we can have a loan guarantee scheme that will be of assistance to small Irish businesses?

As we are talking about consensus, Fine Gael will next week introduce a motion for a loan guarantee scheme. I hope on that occasion, when it will be properly assessed and vetted, the Government will see fit to give it consensus and support in the interest of retaining Irish jobs.

Hear, hear.

Any debate taking place in the House will afford everyone the opportunity to explain their precise position on these issues and the necessary policies to support small businesses. There are many supports in place from Enterprise Ireland which are assisting small businesses but the working capital needs of small businesses will be best protected and provided for once the full recapitalisation of the banking system is in place. That is at an advanced stage.

"No" is the answer.