The Government has published the lending plans of AIB and Bank of Ireland, saying that unless the banks lend to viable businesses Ireland's economic recovery will be stunted.
Bank of Ireland and AIB will jointly lend €12bn over the next two years. Each bank will lend €3bn annually to Irish businesses.
The Government said the lending plans include a range of measures to help foster business demand and to improve the service banks provide to their smaller business customers.
Monthly progress reports from the two banks will be submitted to Government.
The plans were reviewed by Credit Reviewer John Trethowan, and the first quarterly report from his Credit Review Office, as well as the summaries of the banks' detailed lending plans, make up today's publications.
The Credit Review Office was established as a place where businesses that are refused credit can appeal and be given an independent review of their cases.
Today's report shows that the Credit Review Office has only completed six reviews so far, however, another five applications are proceeding through the process.
