Mr. Padraic McElwee:

I thank the Deputy. From our perspective, we are very much looking at the small and micro sector, which probably has different challenges locally. We have a high level of concern about their input costs and ability to sustain competitiveness at a local level. However, in providing employment, there is one big advantage that we have, as an agency, which is that we work with local businesses. That affords people in our local towns and villages an opportunity to get employment locally. That is hugely important. Another advantage of our micro enterprises is that they can offer a degree of flexibility, which suits more appropriate work patterns. Those are their "benefits", for want of a better word, as distinct from those of larger organisations. It will be challenging across the board. That is why we will work proactively with those businesses. Job retention is important to us, as is job creation. I have no doubt, given the experience of the last two years, that many of our small businesses have demonstrated that capacity to meet challenges. I am confident that they will meet this one as well.