Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Access to Finance for SMEs: Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and AIB
4:30 pm
Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The witnesses have addressed the issue of the financial capability of businesses in great detail today. There is some doubt in my mind as to whether this is an issue. However, it is highlighted in many reports, including the InterTradeIreland report, as a major issue. One of the key recommendations is that the Government address it as soon as possible. I have always believed in the need for good business coaching and advice. Perhaps the witnesses would provide information at a later date to the committee secretariat on how the bank has strengthened its team, including the number of people employed therein, their qualifications, positions and so on. The issue of business coaching was raised with us by InterTradeIreland and I would like to back up the need for this with some evidence and so on.