asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether he will intervene with the banks and financial institutions to ensure that rates of interest charged to farmers are comparable with those available to other business sectors.
Written Answers. - Interest Rates.
19.
In general, the regulation of bank interest rates is primarily a matter for the Central Bank of Ireland. I am informed that farmers are included for borrowing purposes by the Associated Banks in the same category as businesses of a similar size and financial strength. Rates on non-bank lending to farmers are broadly comparable with bank rates. In these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the manner suggested.