Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
298. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps being taken to improve access to affordable credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in regional towns; and if he will outline how Government schemes such as the credit guarantee scheme are being utilised by businesses in Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the Irish economy and access to credit for SMEs is an important policy issue in many departments, including the Department of Finance who works closely with the relevant departments.
In 2010 the Credit Review service was established to provide an independent appeals service for business borrowers who have had their credit facilities refused, reduced or withdrawn by an Irish bank. Current participating banks are AIB, BOI and PTSB. Credit Review’s mission is to assist SMEs and farm businesses which are viable or potentially viable, to access bank finance they require for growth into the future.
Credit Review also monitors credit and banking conditions for small businesses and farmers in the Irish market, reporting regularly to the Minister for Finance. In addition, it provides information notes and reports on banking and credit issues.
Furthermore, my Department monitors the demand for and availability of credit to SMEs, including primary producers. The most recent Credit Demand Survey published by my department can be found here: [link].
The results from these surveys provide important information on the financial issues and challenges facing Irish SMEs. This information is used to inform the development of government policy to ensure that SMEs have sufficient access to appropriate finance.
In 2014, my Department established the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). The strategic mission of the SBCI is to facilitate Ireland’s economic development by offering SMEs and other borrowers targeted financial solutions that drive sustainability, growth and innovation. Since the SBCI commenced operations in March 2015, it has supported more than €4.4 billion in lending to more than 62,000 SMEs (up to the end of December 2024).
The current loan scheme in the market for SMEs is the 'Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme' (GSLS), a €500 million long-term loan guarantee scheme jointly developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is underpinned by resources from the European Investment Bank Group and delivered by the SBCI in partnership with a number of bank and non-bank on-lenders.
This scheme is targeted at SMEs, including primary producers i.e. farmers, fishers and foresters. The funding available under the scheme is provided for investment in business growth and sustainability. The scheme provides for loans ranging from €25,000 to €3 million, for terms of 7 to 10 years. Loans of up to €500,000 can be provided on an unsecured basis.
Given the high demand for the GSLS (some of the lenders have reached their capacity under one or both elements of the Scheme), the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are negotiating with the EIB Group and SBCI on the potential to expand the capacity and extend the duration of the GSLS.
Detailed information on the utilisation of the GSLS, including regional activity, can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment's website: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/growth-and-sustainability-loan-scheme-quarterly-reports.html[]
The Government has also in place a broad range of policy measures aimed at supporting SMEs to thrive. Most recently, under Budget 2026 Government agreed a package of actions intended to reduce costs for SMEs. More details of these measures can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment's website: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/news-and-events/department-news/2025/october/20251008.html
Finally, the National Enterprise Hub is a single source of information on the range of government business support programs available to Irish businesses of all sizes: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-for-smes/which-support-is-for-you/
