Public comment on SME lending

The Department of Finance has opened a public consultation process on the effectiveness of the Credit Review Office — the body established two and a half years ago to monitor the flow of bank credit to SMEs.

The month-long forum will be open to the public and small firms.

“The action plans for jobs contains a commitment to assess the Credit Review Office to ensure SMEs are getting the support on bank lending they require,” Finance Minister Michael Noonan said yesterday.