Mr. Peter McVitty:

I thank the members for their support. It is obvious we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. I wish to make it very clear where I stand on the matter of local representatives not having a say on the next body. It would be a massive loss to an area. I come from a very rural part of County Cavan. In making my remarks, I do not mean disrespect to the people who were told they would be on the boards. We are told they will be from the business community and there will probably be accountants. I have seen accountants on the enterprise board in Cavan. There will be people from the chamber of commerce. Many are from urban areas. Some of the people from such areas do not understand the rural part of the county.

Ms Constance Hanniffy mentioned figures of €50,000, €40,000 and €100,000. However, if people starting up businesses are able to get €4,000 or €5,000, it will give them a little push to get them started. Small businesses must be supported. It is only common sense. If one starts a business and has, perhaps, from one to five people working for one, and if one has a love of one's area and a bit of pride, one will want to see the business work. One will not step back and let the business fail. I have been a member of the enterprise board in County Cavan since 1999. In that time, local representatives from all parties fought their corner for people from rural areas. Only for this, the recipients would not have got money. I know that for a fact.

The enterprise board in County Cavan works extremely well because it has a cross-Border arrangement with Fermanagh. It involves tourism and a geopark. We work extremely well with local elected representatives North and South of the Border. I appeal to the members of this committee to do everything in their power to ensure that the local representatives have a say in the next body that is set up. I strongly believe they ought to. This cannot be emphasised enough.

Deputy Cowen referred to the IDA. For whatever reason over the years, the IDA has not been able to get away from the east coast. We would welcome it very much in the rural part of the country. I have sat with IDA representatives on boards. I have seen them sit at meetings and giving nice glossy presentations, but then the momentum dies and one does not hear from them again.

Deputy Collins made it clear that the small businesses must be supported. I appeal to the Deputy to make sure the voice of small businesses is heard.