Minister for Trade Batt O'Keeffe is to discuss lending practices with senior bankers amid continuing reports that small businesses are finding it difficult to access credit.
One of the stated aims of the Government's recapitalisation of Irish banks was to free up capital for business lending.
Mr O'Keeffe said some bankers were showing "scant regard" for taxpayers by refusing to lend to viable small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and said they were not keeping their side of the bargain.
The Minister is to meet small business owners throughout the country in the coming weeks to assess the situation.
Banking executives and the Government-appointed credit reviewer John Trethowan will then be called to his Department to discuss what can be done to remedy the situation.
"It is not acceptable that lip service be paid to Government demands of banks to lend to viable businesses," he said.
"Now is the time to show gratitude to Irish taxpayers for the massive sacrifices they have made in putting Ireland on the road to economic recovery after the arrogance, greed and reckless irresponsibility of our bankers that brought the country to her knees."
Mr O'Keeffe will also examine plans from AIB and Bank of Ireland that propose how the banks will meet SME lending targets laid down by the Government.
He warned banks have a duty to start lending again in return for the Government’s recapitalisation plan.
“If that is not happening - and the evidence so far suggests to me that in some cases it is not - then I want to know why,” he said. “It is the least the Irish taxpayer deserves after the forbearance they have shown.”
Bank of Ireland is due to issue details of a rights issue later today.
