Mr. Paddy Malone:

I will discuss two points, the first of which is on the SME sector. If subsidies or supports to export-oriented companies are being considered, companies involved in import substitution should also be considered. A company in Dundalk that is stopping a business from Newry entering the area is equally as valuable as a company in Waterford that exports to France. I have not seen this sort of thinking often when dealing with local enterprise offices, LEOs, or anything else. I know of a company that is involved in import substitution, but it cannot get a grant. It has been told unofficially by Enterprise Ireland to tell Enterprise Ireland that it can export. The owner will not do that. The company might be in a position to do so in five years' time, but it cannot do so now. Any targeted approach to support SMEs cannot be targeted towards export-oriented companies only, particularly along the Border.

The self-audit idea is an excellent one. I will revert on it. Mr. Talbot and I agree that we will consider it. We will pick up on the idea specifically.