Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)

May I clarify this matter? I will take the example of a Donegal company that has 68% of its customer base in the South, but would not be able to apply to this fund when in administration. I presume that even though it would have 32% of its customer base in the North, it would still not be able to apply under the British fund because it is based in this State and the majority of its customer base is here. I am concerned that it would have absolutely no support whatsoever under administration, bar the expenses that the administrator would incur. I am sure businesses would not plan for the eventuality of going into administration, but it would be a concern for businesses that wish to operate on both sides of the Border and have an all-Ireland business plan. That is something that not only Sinn Féin promotes, but also I am sure every party in the Dáil wants to see a vibrant economy right across the island. I am therefore concerned about that issue.

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