asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give details of the scheme worked out between his Department, the Bank of Ireland Group and Córas Tráchtála for exporters; what is the main objective of the scheme; the number of firms likely to participate in such a scheme; and if the Bank of Ireland Group are prepared to lend money at the official bank rate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scheme for Exporters.
47.
I presume that the Deputy's question refers to recent publicity by the Bank of Ireland Group regarding, inter alia, a series of export seminars conducted by the Group for its agents and managers. Córas Tráchtála and my Department co-operated in the presentation of these seminars. The purpose of the seminars was to enable the Group to give improved service to exporters.
The question of the rates at which money may be lent by banks to exporters and the form in which this may be done is a complex one in relation to which I would suggest that exporters should consult their bank managers. It has been indicated in the relevant publicity that finance for export is freely available and receives top priority.