Banks and defective blocks costs
Deputy Bruton asked whether banks should contribute to the rising cost of the defective blocks scheme rather than leaving taxpayers to pay. The Tánaiste said banks might argue the levy already covered it, but the Government’s view was that the cost should not fall entirely on taxpayers.
I understand that a Government MEP has put pen to paper expressing the possibility of a curtailment by the banks of lending to the agrifood sector. Is there recognition of the devastating effect that could have on an industry that has stood its ground, put its shoulder to the wheel and defended what had to be defended, when called upon, in this country? Further, I ask the Tánaiste to confirm that it is not Government policy, and that it is recognised that not only would rural Ireland be punished severely if the pursuit of such a policy was followed, but that urban Ireland and the continuity of food supplies to the capital city and every town in the country would equally be threatened.