Call for government to meet with banks over foot-and-mouth

The Government has been asked to meet with the nation's financial institutions to ensure sympathetic treatment for people who have been hit by the foot-and-mouth disease.

Fine Gael's Enterprise and Employment spokesman, Charles Flanagan, raised the matter in the Dail this afternoon where it was confirmed 47,000 people work in the Agrifood sector.

Mr Flanagan has this call for junior Minister, Tom Kitt, and senior Minister, Mary Harney: " To talk to the financial institutions and the banks regarding their approach, in view of the fact that already small businesses throughout the country are beginning to feel the pinch.

"And for those institutions to engage in meetings, as far as credit is concerned, with the financial institutions.

"And what steps the government has taken to ensure an early meeting with banks and financial institutions".