Mr. Fergal O'Brien:

I thank the Deputy O'Donnell for his questions. On the labour market activation measures, there are a few points to be noted on the unemployment issue and I will return to aspects of demand and the domestic economy, which is our single biggest challenge. Specifically on the activation measures, we did some recent research with our members to ascertain what is working and what is not working. The JobBridge programme is working well and business is very supportive of it. We are seeing a good deal of transition from those internships into sustainable employment and that should continue to be supported. We have found there is a very weak level of awareness among employers of a range of other schemes such as the employer PRSI exemption scheme and the Revenue assist initiative. Our recommendation would be to streamline those programmes and research suggests that better promoted, better branded cash equivalent payment schemes rather than a tax foregone model would work better.

Regarding other issues around labour market activation, we still have incredible skill shortages in the economy. Our technology sector has 7,000 to 8,000 unfilled vacancies. We have some good programmes that are working, in particular the Springboard programme, which again is a good exemplar of something that is very close to the workplace, it is reacting to real demand for real jobs and it is giving people who used to work in the construction sector good jobs in the medical devices and technology sectors. In general, as a principle, those types of programmes that are close to the workplace and that will be able to respond to real opportunities and vacancies in sectors are the way to proceed because we have an incredible churn currently in the workplace. We are losing jobs but a good many jobs are being created, and there are many unfilled jobs.

On the issue of credit for SMEs, there is no question it is still a major issue for our members but it depends on the sector of the economy in which one finds oneself. Certain sectors of the economy have become very attractive. If someone is involved in the food and drink sector they probably do not have much difficulty in getting access to credit and there are many institutions willing to do business with them. If someone is in a less attractive sector they are in a much more difficult position. Are there problems in terms of credit supply?