Fine Gael has called on Tourism Minister Jim McDaid to seek the suspension of bank debts in the tourism and farming sectors in light of the foot-and-mouth crisis.
Spokesperson Denis Naughten said these sectors are crippled, with many family-run businesses under threat of closure, because of the virus scare.
Deputy Naughten said it is time the Minister met the banks to agree terms for the temporary waiving of loans taken by hard-pressed business people and farmers.