John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am surprised that Mr. Barnes has not factored in the SME performance relative to the debt that it is carrying from the past into the modelling for the recovery nationally and the creation of jobs, to which all of this is linked. I have the view that it will take the SME sector far longer to recover and the length and the type of recovery will depend completely on the level of supports it will receive through the stimulus packages.

For example, it is important to acknowledge the past as being extremely difficult in terms of the SMEs and this recovery. Accordingly, the stimulus package, rather than being €10 billion, should be more realistic and use the IBEC suggestion of €22 billion. Again, there is a big gap between the €10 billion suggested by Mr. Barnes and the €22 billion being asked for. When people look for a more refined view of the economy, of the SME sector and the business sector generally, that is too much of a gap, even in terms of forecasting.