The Credit Review Act 2026 provides a stand-alone legal basis for the credit review service established under the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009.

The Act formally establishes An tSeirbhís um Athbhreithniú Creidmheasa, the Credit Review Service, as an independent statutory body.

It also provides for the ability to extend the Service to regulated non‑bank lenders in the future as the SME credit market evolves.

Tánaiste and finance minister Simon Harris said: “I very much welcome the passing of the Credit Review Bill given the importance of small and medium enterprises and farmers to the Irish economy.

“Over two-thirds of employment in Ireland is with these businesses; It’s therefore vitally important that they can access credit in order to thrive and grow.

“By putting the Credit Review Service on a statutory footing, we are also ensuring there is greater fairness and transparency in relation to lending decisions.”

Minister of state Robert Troy added: “The work the Credit Review Office has done since it was established in 2010 has given valuable assistance to viable SME and farm businesses in obtaining bank credit.

“Placing the office on a firm statutory basis recognises that value and endorses the Credit Review Service as a permanent feature of the SME credit landscape in Ireland.”

The Credit Review Service has received 1,468 formal applications since its establishment in 2010.

Positive outcomes have been secured for almost 60 per cent of businesses and farms which have appealed credit decisions, resulting in over €86 million in additional credit for SMEs and farm businesses.