Ms Aviné McNally:

They are some of the more common issues we are encountering at the top of the pile now. Cashflow is still an issue. It takes an average of 62 days to get paid at the moment. That can strangle a small firm. There is no doubt that the black economy is having an effect on the domestic economy. I understand the Exchequer is losing €500 million a month as a result of activity in the hidden economy. We all know it is not good for consumers, for businesses or for the State. It is a massive challenge for domestic-focused businesses. Some people would say it has been getting worse over the last couple of years, which tends to be a trend in difficult times anyway.