John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I attended the launch yesterday of the Enterprise Ireland report and it is encouraging to see that indigenous Irish exports are up to €18 billion. I strongly recommend a debate on the report, which is an outstanding document. I was very encouraged at the level of the high potential start-up companies, the extraordinary opportunities that exist and the exploitation of €1 billion of new markets in Asia. Enterprise Ireland will energise 1,800 new companies and get them exporting. We must be positive in this respect, and the issue is very much about confidence and credit.

There are challenges in business and the availability of credit in business is paramount but we must also consider management skills and the mentoring of a company. I have no doubt that Senators White, Cullinane and Moloney know that due diligence in respect of a company, including profitability, make it viable. It is not just about getting a loan.