Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have two general questions. First, the witness said that an increase in demand from the SMEs for new or enhanced funding was indicative of a recovery. Would he comment on how he estimates the recovery from a Northern perspective in terms of our challenges here in the South and the strength of that recovery? I am sure he has some interesting insights into that.

Second, in regard to SMEs in general, as the witness is aware there is great disparity of esteem in terms of how the public views SMEs as opposed to multinational companies. They get all the glamour and media publicity, which is very unfair when we consider the level of activity generated by the SMEs and the numbers employed across the country. Does that disparity create a more difficult funding environment for SMEs or does it have any negative effect on the way SMEs organise their business or whether they succeed? In general terms does that perception hinder them in any way or is it something they take in their stride?