Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
252. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the remit of the Credit Review Office to include Permanent TSB in view of the fact that the bank has customers engaged in business and who may wish to have credit decisions reviewed from time to time. [38250/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Credit Review Office (CRO) reviews decisions by the banks participating in NAMA to refuse, reduce or withdraw credit facilities (including applications for restructured credit facilities) from €1,000 up to €500,000. PTSB are not participating in NAMA. The Action Plan for Jobs 2012 contains a commitment to “assess the Credit Review Office to ensure SMEs are getting the support on bank lending they require.” One of the issues to be examined is whether the statutory basis under which the CRO operates should be adjusted, which may include a review of which banks participate in the process. My Department intends awarding the contract to the successful bidder for the assessment this week, with the final report due to be submitted in early November.
