Ms Jayne Brady:

I shall respond to the initial question on obstacles to commercial success. We have a portfolio of 80 companies. We have some great technology, universities and institutions here in Ireland. However, we have found that one of the largest challenges for them is the commercialisation of technology. Nothing is as important as technology because it helps to deliver business value and makes sales. There is great focus on technology and innovation, and we have great skills in that space. Unfortunately, there is no focus on international sales, which is a skill we need to develop as a country. In July 2013 we wrote an open letter to the Minister for Education and Skills discussing the need for this skill. We also encouraged a renewed focus on looking at the subject in education. There are a few exceptions to the trend, such as the Dublin Institute of Technology. However, we need to focus on education because the fulfilment of innovation and technology is the commercialisation of that piece. The economy needs to increase core skills to enable us to do so.