Mr Rana Talway is the first Asian to head a Western bank and to lead a FTSE-100 company. In an interview tomorrow on Network East Big Talk, BBC 2, 9 a.m. Mr Talway talks about the effect of the Asian economic crisis on Britain and its economic future.

On Sunday Moneybox, Network 2, 10.20 p.m. covers the topical subject of Credit Unions and visits the successful branch managed by Ms Sheila Ryan in Tallow, Co Waterford.

Also on Sunday, BBC 1, 7.30 p.m., The Money Programme: Disabling Small Business? examines the negative reaction by both employers and the disabled to the British government's toughening up of the Disability Discrimination Act. From December 1st, smaller firms will be forced to make provisions for disabled workers - an expensive commitment at a time of economic downturn.

Reporter Mairead de Buitleir explores the fundamental nature of the economic system in Leargas, Tuesday, RTE 1, 7.30 p.m. Is the cycle of boom and bust in the global economy an inevitable reality?

Over on BBC 2, 9 p.m. (Tuesday) Britain's RSPCA director-general Mr Peter Davies has his work cut out for him when he leaves his plush office to clean up after sick animals and remove flea-ravaged pets from scenes of neglect in Back to the Floor: Top Dog.

Ear to the Ground (Tuesday) RTE 1, 8.30 p.m. includes an item on the problems of working mothers in rural areas where facilities are in short supply.

Mr John Pitman's account of personal service providers (Personal Services, Thursday, Channel 4, 8.30 p.m.) follows city gardeners in London. Unlike many small businesses that went under, gardening has not only survived but flourished as stressed out city folk seek havens of peace.