David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to put on the record that the Irish Exporters Association, IEA, has also put in a submission to the committee. Its representatives are not here today because they did not get enough notice of the meeting. The organisation is supporting what Mr. McGrane has called for, which is the creation of a bespoke step-up unit or agency that in a way lies between Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprise offices, LEOs. According to the IEA, it most likely should be placed within Enterprise Ireland and solely dedicated to the provision of supports to have high potential micro and small businesses, to lessen red tape and concentrate on preparing those companies to enter the Enterprise Ireland pipeline, which will allow these business to balance quality with growth and in time increase the number of sustainable SMEs in the country, which is good to hear. This whole issue that Deputy Shanahan has also alluded to is quite important, and I would like us to follow up on it at some stage.

I also hear Mr. Jennings' passion in what he has just said. It has come across from all witnesses today. I think Deputy Bruton's suggestion with respect to assisting companies to cut down on energy costs by taking steps, such as those taken by Mr. Moran with the use of solar power and so on, is important, as are the other issues raised. The sense I am getting is that we may not have much time and we need to do more quickly to keep businesses afloat so that we can reach the stage to which Deputy Bruton has referred, where we can actually do more with the energy costs and usage, which is going to help in a big way. There are also other issues that have been raised. I think that as a committee, we should write to the relevant Ministers, highlighting the issues that have been raised. Mention was made of producing a report. That may take a bit of time. In the time available to us, I think we should write to the relevant Ministers to highlight the issues raised. It is crucial. We do not want to see any businesses closing because of this. With a bit of assistance and support, they can keep going until, hopefully, we can get over this. I hope things do not get worse.