Mr. Bernard Byrne:

On the capital gains tax issue, I do not propose to advise the Minister on that matter. On the BES, Government-supported equity schemes to help SMEs is a positive idea. However, how they would be constructed is a separate issue. Anything that can increase equity is a good idea.

On the issue of too little finance versus too much finance, I agree with that comment. The debt must be right-sized and the capacity of the business to fund itself is important.