Mr. Matt McGranaghan:

We find that the language being used can sometimes be misunderstood by many people in our sector. Without trying to be too negative, the language can sometimes be a little bureaucratic. We find that to be the case with MEBAS. Many musicians do not really classify themselves as sole traders, even though that is what they are. With regard to MEBAS, they do not seem themselves as businesses, even though that is what they are. The language used has deterred people from applying. We heard from the Minister last night that there have been just over 300 applications. We consider that an incredibly low number. In addition to the relatively high threshold of €20,000 in turnover and the issue of minimum business costs, the language used is a factor which deters people in the industry from applying for support.