In the programme for Government there is a commitment to have access to capital for small businesses and also to assist businesses through the debt crisis. We have had huge problems over a number of years in this country. Today, in Buswells Hotel across the road, the IFA is launching a framework for negotiations with vulture funds. The loans of hundreds of farmers have been sold to vulture funds and they cannot get a deal done, as they would have been able to do with the standard banks. We find they are now outside the scrutiny of the Central Bank. It is a huge problem, and one of the things that the IFA has sought is that the Government publicly commit to a rebalancing of the power between the borrowers and these new owners of the loans. This is having a huge impact. The vulture funds want a quick turnaround and they are prepared to sell out the farm over the heads of the farmer. It is a big problem around the country.

That is more suitable for a Topical Issue matter.

It is more suitable for a Topical Issue matter but the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, has made it clear that where loans are acquired in this manner, the same code of conduct applies as applies from the normal lending institutions.