Ms Karen Hynes:

On the scaling and accessing of overseas markets, Enterprise Ireland has a particular focus on scaling. It supports firms through its overseas office network as well. Access to finance is one of the issues as are management development and leadership development, building ambition within companies, and competitiveness. It has a range of programmes to help. The local enterprise offices are now working with firms with more than ten employees to help them on their export journey as well.

On the issue of a third agency, we would understand the local enterprise offices to be the third agency. They work with micro-enterprises and now with small businesses with up to 50 employees. They also work with a broad range of sectors and they provide advisory and consultancy supports to all sectors. We would see that being fulfilled by the local enterprise office around the country.