Mr. Aidan Gough:

That is a key finding from our research, that there is a problem on the demand side as well as on the supply side. The figure for the number of businesses that do not even have a business plan when making applications is staggering. There is a lack of financial acumen and capability within the small to micro sector, which is not unexpected given that they cannot have all the skills within their businesses.

This has now been recognised both North and South and they are now running a financial voucher system to help business access the capabilities required if they are seeking investment for growth. There is also the financial capability scheme that is being introduced through Skillnets' ManagementWorks that the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is funding. This problem has now been recognised and initiatives are coming on stream. We have been talking to the various accountancy associations about their members upgrading their skills in this regard given that they often have the first touch with these small and micro businesses. It is an issue that has been recognised and answers are coming on stream. It will be critical because if we upgrade the capability, companies will seek options and the supply can be improved.