Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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I want to ask about expanding our base of exporting SMEs. We have an open economy and a significant trade surplus relative to our size. However, that is not replicated at the SME level. SME export levels are low by international standards. Approximately 6% of our SMEs trade directly across borders. The share of SMEs in total domestic value is also relatively low. Most do not export. A significant percentage only trade with our nearest neighbour, on the British market.

Will Mr. Carey speak a little about what EI will do under his leadership to increase the number of SMEs that export so we can bolster the economy and reduce the risk everyone talks about that is associated with an overreliance on a small group of multinational corporations?