Feargal Quinn (Independent)

If we are to get the economy right again, we will have to depend on small and medium-sized enterprises. While they are not looking for help, they are looking for a fair deal. I am concerned greatly by the figures published yesterday, which highlight that the State is delaying payments to small and medium enterprises for goods and services that should be paid within 30 days for an average of 73 days. This is either policy or inefficiency. Will the Leader follow this up with the Minister for Finance to find out whether it is the result of policy or inefficiency that the State is delaying payment to small and medium enterprises, the very people we have to rely on if we are going to get the economy right again, for up to 77 days and, on average, 73 days? This is probably due to inefficiency but I would hate to think it is due to Government policy.