Ms Patricia Callan:

It is a question of where one is communicating. Microfinance Ireland tends to attend shows attended by existing businesses. One could go into social welfare offices, persuade more people to take the self-employment route and tell them about funding.

In circumstances where a bank issues a rejection letter, it is stated that the applicant can go to the Credit Review Office. Why is it not possible for the office to be made aware of the fact that the application has been rejected in order that it might contact that applicant directly and have him or her send on the application to it? If these matters are pursued on a proactive basis through the proper channels, then it is possible to achieve greater success.