Banks to `support customers'

Banks have said they will support their customers who are experiencing financial difficulties because of foot and-mouth

Banks have said they will support their customers who are experiencing financial difficulties because of foot and-mouth. The Irish Bankers Federation said yesterday this may be additional short-term credit, rescheduling of credit repayments and, where necessary, a moratorium on repayments.

The federation said the banking industry had adopted a supportive stance in the past. "During the currency crisis and more recently the difficulties experienced by the pigfarming sector, banks in Ireland have demonstrated their ability to take a strategic view and a supportive stance." Each request would be approached individually.