Call to fast-track SME credit scheme
Employers associations have welcomed Tánaiste Mary Coughlan’s plans to back a credit guarantee scheme to re-ignite indigenous firms. Even Fine Gael has given the move its qualified approval. However, some senior officials in the Department of Finance have warned that the proposed scheme could be a further bailout for banks funded by the taxpayer.
The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) said this access to funding would help protect the jobs of 147,000 people working in 3,800 small exporting businesses. The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland, which wants the debate to be fast-tracked.
