The document provides a summary of key findings from the InterTradeIreland Quarterly Business Monitor for Quarter 3 (October to December 2008): - Only 13% of businesses saw increased turnover in the past quarter, down significantly from 34% in the same quarter the previous year. Optimism about future turnover also declined sharply. - Similarly, only 11% of businesses reported increased profits in the past quarter, down from 30% the year before. Optimism about future profits also dropped significantly. - Employment levels declined, with 6% of businesses increasing staff compared to 15% the previous year. Expectations of future staff increases were also low. - Three-quarters of businesses remained optimistic about their performance over the

1. InterTradeIreland – Quarterly Business Monitor 44102221

8. ‘ All Island’ – Business Turnover Over The Past Quarter [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 Period  Covering 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

9. ‘ All Island’ – Business Turnover Over The Past Quarter Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 5 28 64 3 100 % Construction and tradesmen 19 30 50 1 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 9 48 43 0 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 12 34 53 2 14 25 58 2 12 36 50 2 15 35 47 3 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

10. ‘ All Island’ – Expectations For Business Turnover Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering To increase To remain the same To decrease Don’t know / NA ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

11. ‘ All Island’ – Expectations For Business Turnover Over The Next Quarter Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] To increase To remain the same To decrease Don’t know / NA ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 8 31 55 6 100 % Construction and tradesmen 18 32 42 7 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 6 45 38 11 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 25 32 34 9 17 35 41 7 20 40 35 4 20 40 33 7 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

12. ‘ All Island’ – Business Profitability Over The Past Quarter [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

13. ‘ All Island’ – Business Profitability Over The Past Quarter Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 6 33 59 1 100 % Construction and tradesmen 11 26 57 6 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 3 48 48 0 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 13 35 50 2 11 35 48 6 13 38 43 5 11 44 41 4 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

14. ‘ All Island’ – Expectations For Business Profitability Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering To increase To remain the same To decrease Don’t know / NA ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

15. ‘ All Island’ – Expectations For Business Profitability Over The Next Quarter - Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] To increase To remain the same To decrease Don’t know / NA ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 11 34 50 5 100 % Construction and tradesmen 10 39 43 7 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 6 48 43 3 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 26 35 32 7 14 43 37 6 22 45 31 2 21 42 32 5 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

16. ‘ All Island’ – Number Of Employees Over The Past Quarter [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

17. ‘ All Island’ – Number Of Employees Over The Past Quarter Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 3 53 43 1 100 % Construction and tradesmen 11 59 28 1 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 83 11 0 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 9 73 18 0 5 72 22 2 5 63 29 2 6 70 22 2 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

18. ‘ All Island’ – Expectations For Number Of Employees Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering To increase To remain the same To decrease Don’t know / NA ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

19. ‘ All Island’ – Expectations For Number Of Employees Over The Next Quarter – Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] To increase To remain the same To decrease Don’t know / NA ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 1 71 23 5 100 % Construction and tradesmen 11 57 27 5 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 89 6 0 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 6 81 11 2 4 82 12 2 6 78 12 4 5 77 12 6 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

20. ‘ All Island’ – Optimism Regarding Business Performance Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t Know) Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (3) (3) (3) (4) (5) (5) (7) (4) ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

21. ‘ All Island’ – Optimism Regarding Business Performance Over The Next 3 Years – Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t Know) (5) (3) (7) (8) (4) (4) (6) (6) n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 6 55 23 8 100 % Construction and tradesmen 11 58 16 7 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 9 60 20 9 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 21 58 11 5 15 62 15 2 19 64 11 2 18 60 15 4 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

22. ‘ All Island’ – Optimism That Government Will Improve Business Conditions Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t Know) Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 n=1000 % Quarter 2 4Jul-Sep’07 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (7) (7) (5) (6) (6) (5) (6) (4) ‘ ALL ISLAND’ QUARTER 3 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

23. ‘ All Island’ – Optimism That Government Will Improve Business Conditions Over The Next 3 Years – Quarter 3 Trends By Industry Sector [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t Know) (5) (0) (4) (3) (7) (8) (4) (6) n = ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 6 37 30 24 100 % Construction and tradesmen 6 29 37 23 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 0 43 28 28 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 2 36 28 29 3 29 39 25 6 36 34 16 7 29 37 20 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

24. ‘ All Island’ – Main Barriers To Company Growth Over Next 12 Months (Spontaneous) [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Period  Covering ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 30 15 10 6 8 6 6 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 2 29 13 33 16 9 10 8 4 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 2 26 12 Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Northern Ireland n=500 %

25. ‘ All Island’ – Factors That Would Help Company Performance Over Next 12 Months (Spontaneous) [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Period  Covering ‘ All Island’ Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 17 9 5 5 5 5 3 4 2 3 2 1 1 1 13 24 15 6 7 6 6 3 7 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 15 27 Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Northern Ireland n=500 %

30. ‘ All Island’ - Actions Taken in Light Of Recent Global Economic Conditions And Predictions … [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Yes No (Don’t Know) Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (7) (5) (5) (6) (4) Does your business intend to revise its targets downwards? ‘ All Island’ 2007/2008 2008/2009

31. ‘ All Island’ - Actions Taken in Light Of Recent Global Economic Conditions And Predictions … [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Yes No (Don’t Know) Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (1) (1) (1) (0) (1) Have you noticed a tightening of expenditure by your customers or business counterparts? Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % ‘ All Island’ 2007/2008 2008/2009

32. ‘ All Island’ - Actions Taken in Light Of Recent Global Economic Conditions And Predictions … [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Yes No (Don’t Know) Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (3) (3) (2) (1) (2) Has your business revised its expenditure priorities? ‘ All Island’ 2007/2008 2008/2009

33. ‘ All Island’ - Impact Of Economic Downturn On Business To Date [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Severe adverse impact Moderate adverse Impact No impact at all (Don’t know) Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (3) (3) (1) (1) (1) (1) (0) (1) 'All Island' Quarter 3 Size Of Company Small n=810 % Medium n=135 % Large n=55 % 2007/2008 2008/2009

34. ‘ All Island’ - Potential Impact Economic Downturn On Business Over Next 12 Months [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Severe adverse impact Moderate adverse Impact No impact at all (Don’t know) Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’08 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (8) (6) (4) (6) (2) (4) (3) (1) Small n=810 % Medium n=135 % Large n=55 % 'All Island' Quarter 3 Size Of Company 2007/2008 2008/2009

35. 'All Island' - Impact Of Economic Downturn On Financial Aspects Of Business … [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Severe adverse impact Moderate adverse Impact No impact at all (Don’t know) Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (12) (13) (10) (14) (16) (12) 'All Island' Access to credit such as small business loans and overdrafts Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % 'All Island' Changing overdraft or loan arrangement conditions

36. ‘ All Island’ - Impact Of Economic Downturn On Certain Aspects Of Business … [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Severe adverse impact Moderate adverse Impact No impact at all (Don’t know) Cash flow % (4) (3) (6) (7) (12) (7) (9) (33) (39) (55) Demand for goods and services % Capital spending plans % Business growth % Cost of doing business % Payments for the goods and services you deliver % Future employment intentions % Research, development and innovation budgets % Intentions to engage in cross-border trade % Intentions to export outside Ireland %

37. ‘ All Island’ - Single Most Important Issue Facing Business During 2009 [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 'All Island' Period  Covering 35 38 14 6 4 0 1 1 32 29 14 9 9 2 1 3 Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Northern Ireland n=500 %

38. ‘ All Island’ – Assistance Required To Help Business [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 'All Island' Period  Covering

39. ‘ All Island’ – Things Government Could Do To Help Business During Economic Downturn [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] 'All Island' Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 27 12 6 9 6 5 6 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 35 18 27 5 8 5 7 6 4 5 5 5 3 3 3 3 34 20 Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Northern Ireland n=500 %

45. Does Company Take Part In Cross-Border Trade [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Yes No Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % n = Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % ‘ All Island’ ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis – Quarter 3 30 70 100 % Construction and tradesmen 55 45 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 43 57 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 33 67 36 64 29 71 32 68 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

46. Reasons For Not Taking Part In Cross-Border Trade [ Base: All IoI Respondents Who Do Not Trade Cross-Border – n=648 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 'All Island' Period  Covering 34 21 21 15 14 4 4 3 3 3 2 24 34 25 10 16 15 5 3 3 2 3 3 22 Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Northern Ireland n=500 %

47. Percentage Of Business Turnover Which Comes From Cross-Border Trade [ Base: All IoI Businesses That Take Part In Cross-Border Trade – n=352 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=352 % 'All Island' Northern Ireland n=221 % Republic Of Ireland n=131 % Period  Covering (Excluding ‘don’t knows’)

48. Expect % Of Cross-Border Trade To Increase / Decrease Over The Next 12 Months [ Base: All IoI Businesses That Take Part In Cross-Border Trade – n=352 ] Increase Remain the same Decrease n = * Small Bases Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=395 % Northern Ireland n=221 % Republic Of Ireland n=131 % Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=352 % ‘ All Island’ ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis – Quarter 3 27 43 29 30 * % Construction and tradesmen 44 38 19 50 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 33 59 8 21 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 33 50 17 32 43 25 37 54 8 37 47 16 97 % Service – retail / distribution 40 * % 46 * % 68 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

49. Expect Cross-Border Co-Operation To experience Growth / Decline Over The Next 3 years [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 ] Increase Remain the same Decrease n = Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % ‘ All Island’ ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis – Quarter 3 37 47 16 100 % Construction and tradesmen 39 48 13 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 40 54 6 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 45 45 10 42 44 13 42 47 12 44 46 10 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

50. Does Business Have Any Of The Following Cross-Border Links [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 'All Island' Period  Covering 21 9 6 5 4 5 19 11 9 9 8 8 Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Northern Ireland n=500 %

51. Does Business Have Any Of The Following Cross-Border Links (Continued) [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % 'All Island' Period  Covering 4 4 4 4 4 67 6 6 5 5 4 63 Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Northern Ireland n=500 %

53. Plans To Develop Cross-Border Activity Or Links Over The Next 12 Months [ Base: All IoI Respondents With Cross-Border Linkages – n=348 ] Yes No Don’t know Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=341 % Northern Ireland n=185 % Republic Of Ireland n=163 % n = Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=348 % ‘ All Island’ * Small Bases ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 61 31 8 34 * % Construction and tradesmen 69 28 3 44 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 53 41 7 21 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 52 39 8 33 51 16 46 47 7 56 40 4 90 % Service – retail / distribution 36 * % 52 % 69 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

54. Plans To Develop Cross-Border Activity Or Links Over The Next 12 Months [ Base: All IoI Respondents Without Cross-Border Linkages – n=652 ] Yes No Don’t know Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=659 % Northern Ireland n=315 % Republic Of Ireland n=337 % n = Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=652 % ‘ All Island’ * Small Bases ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis 15 75 9 34 * % Construction and tradesmen 25 63 11 44 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 0 90 10 21 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 12 78 9 12 71 17 19 70 11 17 75 8 90 % Service – retail / distribution 36 * % 52 % 69 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

55. Motivations For Cross-Border Business Co-Operation [ Base: All IoI Respondents Who Trade, Have Links OR Plan To Develop Links Cross-Border – n=514 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=514 % 'All Island' Period  Covering 52 34 11 7 6 20 70 17 5 6 6 18 Republic Of Ireland n=220 % Northern Ireland n=294 %

56. Barriers Encountered When Developing Cross-Border Trade [ Base: All IoI Respondents Who Trade, Have Links Or Plan To Develop – n=514 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=514 % 'All Island' Period  Covering 34 13 7 5 3 51 32 12 4 6 4 50 Republic Of Ireland n=220 % Northern Ireland n=294 %

57. Impact Of Having Two Separate Currencies On Cross-Border Trade [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Positive impact Made no difference Negative impact (Don’t know) Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (19) (10) (9) (12) (9) (18) (10) 'All Island' Size Of Company Small n=810 % Medium n=135 % Large n=55 %

58. Impact Of Recent Exchange Rate Movements Between The £ And € On Conducting Cross-Border Trade [ Base: All Respondents – n=1000 ] Positive impact Made no difference Negative impact (Don’t know) Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 n=1000 % Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 n=1000 % Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % Period  Covering (19) (9) (17) (20) (8) (10) (13) 'All Island' Size Of Company Small n=810 % Medium n=135 % Large n=55 %

59. Effectiveness Of Support Techniques In Helping Business Develop Cross-Border Trade [ Base: All IoI Respondents Who Trade, Have Links Or Plan To Develop Links Cross-Border – n=514 ] Very effective Fairly effective Not very effective Not at all effective Establishment of Cross-Border networking opportunities % Sales and marketing support % Sector specific market information % Increase awareness of venture capital opportunities % Innovation capability supports % Lobbying Governments %

60. Business Perceptions On Levels Of Cross-Border Business Co-Operation In The Future [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 per quarter ] Like to see more co-operation Co-operation to remain the same Like to see less co-operation Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % n = Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % ‘ All Island’ ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis – Quarter 3 69 28 3 100 % Construction and tradesmen 75 19 6 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 66 28 6 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 71 24 5 64 31 5 67 29 4 65 32 3 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

63. ‘ All Island’ Does Business Employ Migrant Workers [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=1000 ] Yes No Northern Ireland n=500 % Republic Of Ireland n=500 % n = Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % ‘ All Island’ ‘ All Island’ Sector Analysis – Quarter 3 17 83 100 % Construction and tradesmen 27 73 90 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 17 83 50 % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 22 78 21 79 38 62 17 83 270 % Service – retail / distribution 120 % 160 % 210 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

64. ‘ All Island’ Percentage Of Workforce That Are Migrant Workers [ Base: All Who Employ Migrant Workers – n=229 Excluding Don’t Know’s ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=229 % 'All Island' Northern Ireland n=62 % Republic Of Ireland n=167 % Period  Covering (Excluding Don’t know’s)

65. Has Proportion Of Migrant Workers Increased / Decreased Over Past 12 Months [ Base: All Who Employ Migrant Workers – n=231 ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Northern Ireland n=62 % Republic Of Ireland n=169 % Period  Covering Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=231 % ‘ All Island’

66. Occupational Groups Within Which Migrant Workers Are Employed [ Base: All That Employ Migrant Workers – n=231 ] Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=231 % 'All Island' Northern Ireland n=62 % Republic Of Ireland n=169 % Period  Covering

70. NI – Business Turnover Over Past Quarter Months [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Period  Covering Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’05 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’05 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’06 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’06 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep‘05 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’06 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’06 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2005 / 2006 2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

71. NI – Business Turnover Over Past Quarter By Sector [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=1000 % n = * Small Bases Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 9 35 54 3 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 28 34 35 3 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 59 36 0 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 14 35 48 3 23 31 43 3 14 36 50 0 19 33 44 3 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

72. NI – Expectations Of Business Turnover Over Next Quarter Months [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Period  Covering Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’05 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’05 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’06 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’06 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep‘05 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’06 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’06 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2005 / 2006 2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

73. NI – Expectations Of Business Turnover The Next Quarter By Sector [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % n = * Small Bases Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 12 42 41 6 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 22 38 31 9 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 59 27 9 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 35 28 25 11 18 38 37 6 21 45 29 5 28 38 25 10 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

74. NI – Business Profitability Over Past Quarter [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Period  Covering Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’05 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’05 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’06 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’06 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep‘05 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’06 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’06 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2005 / 2006 2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

75. NI – Business Profitability Over The Past Quarter By Sector [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % n = * Small Bases Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 7 42 49 1 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 19 25 44 13 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 0 45 55 0 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 17 33 48 3 19 35 38 8 14 38 43 6 15 43 36 6 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

76. NI – Expectations Of Business Profitability Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Period  Covering Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’05 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’05 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’06 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’06 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep‘05 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’06 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’06 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2005 / 2006 2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

77. NI – Expectations Of Business Profitability Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % n = * Small Bases Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 16 42 38 4 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 16 40 31 12 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 9 59 32 0 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 33 34 24 9 15 46 32 7 21 45 31 3 28 38 28 7 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

78. NI – Number Of Employees Over Past Quarter [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Period  Covering Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’05 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’05 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’06 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’06 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep‘05 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’06 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’06 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2005 / 2006 2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

79. NI – Number Of Employees Over The Past Quarter By Sector [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % n = * Small Bases Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 3 65 33 0 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 16 59 22 3 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 91 5 0 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 11 75 14 0 7 74 18 2 3 68 27 2 4 75 20 1 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

80. NI – Number Of Employees Over Next Quarter [ Base: All NI Respondents – n=500 per quarter ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Period  Covering Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’05 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’05 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’06 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’06 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep‘05 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’06 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’06 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2005 / 2006 2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009

81. NI – Expectations Of Business Employees Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / NA Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % n = * Small Bases Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 1 74 23 1 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 18 59 19 3 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 95 0 0 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 8 87 4 1 7 82 10 2 6 82 9 3 8 78 7 7 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

82. NI – Optimism That Government Will Improve Business Conditions Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % n = * Small Bases Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t know) (7) (0) (9) (3) (8) (8) (6) (8) Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 9 43 29 16 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 3 44 25 19 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 0 32 27 41 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 3 35 33 22 4 34 37 19 5 42 33 12 8 29 40 14 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

83. NI – Optimism Regarding Business Performance Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] Northern Ireland Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % n = * Small Bases Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t know) (7) (5) (9) (10) (6) (6) (6) (8) Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis 7 57 17 9 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 13 56 16 6 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 54 23 14 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 23 61 6 3 19 60 12 3 21 60 9 3 18 60 14 3 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

84. NI – Expectations For NI Economy Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases Strong growth Moderate growth Strong recession No difference or change (Don’t know) (4) (6) (8) (8) (7) (5) (5) (9) (4) (1) (5) (2) (9) Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering Northern Ireland Sector Analysis – Q3 3 42 20 30 40 * % Construction and tradesmen 0 25 34 31 70 % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 5 23 59 9 45 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 3 28 42 19 0 35 38 25 8 36 32 20 0 36 42 21 125 % Service – retail / distribution 90 % 65 % 65 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

88. RoI – Business Turnover Over Past Quarter [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis – Q3 3 21 72 4 55 % Construction and tradesmen 11 25 64 0 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 16 30 54 0 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 10 32 57 1 5 19 75 1 10 34 50 5 11 36 48 4 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

89. RoI – Expectations Of Business Turnover Next Quarter [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases To increase To remain the same To decreased Don’t know / N/A Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis – Q3 5 21 69 5 55 % Construction and tradesmen 15 28 51 6 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 8 22 55 15 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 15 36 42 7 15 33 46 7 20 33 42 5 13 42 41 4 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

90. RoI – Business Profitability Over The Past Quarter [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis – Q3 5 25 68 1 55 % Construction and tradesmen 5 27 68 0 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 9 54 38 0 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 10 36 51 2 3 34 58 4 13 38 44 5 6 46 45 3 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

91. RoI – Expectations Of Business Profitability Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases To increase To remain the same To decreased Don’t know / N/A Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis – Q3 6 26 62 5 55 % Construction and tradesmen 5 39 53 3 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 0 30 63 8 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 19 35 40 6 13 40 42 5 22 45 32 2 14 46 36 4 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

92. RoI – Number Of Employees Over The Past Quarter [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases Increased Remained the same Decreased Don’t know / N/A Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis – Q3 3 42 52 3 55 % Construction and tradesmen 8 58 34 0 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 7 70 22 0 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 8 71 22 0 2 70 26 1 7 57 33 3 8 66 24 3 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

93. RoI – Expectations Of Number Of Employees Over The Next Quarter [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases To increase To remain the same To decreased Don’t know / N/A Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis – Q3 1 68 23 8 55 % Construction and tradesmen 5 55 34 6 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 7 78 15 0 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 4 75 19 2 2 82 14 2 5 74 16 5 3 76 17 5 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

94. RoI – Optimism That Government Will Improve Business Conditions Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All RoI Respondents – n=500 ] RoI Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t Know) (4) (0) (0) (3) (7) (8) (2) (4) n = * Small Bases Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis 4 31 31 32 55 % Construction and tradesmen 8 17 48 27 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 0 63 30 8 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 1 36 23 36 1 24 42 32 8 30 34 20 5 28 34 26 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

95. RoI – Optimism Regarding Business Performance Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All IoI Respondents – n=500 ] RoI Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 n=500 % Very optimistic Fairly optimistic Fairly pessimistic Very pessimistic (Don’t Know) (4) (0) (0) (3) (7) (8) (2) (4) n = * Small Bases Period  Covering RoI Sector Analysis 5 53 28 7 55 % Construction and tradesmen 11 59 16 8 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 16 69 15 0 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 19 56 15 7 9 65 19 1 17 67 13 2 17 60 15 5 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional

96. RoI – Expectations For RoI Economy Over The Next 3 Years [ Base: All Respondents – n=500 ] n = * Small Bases Strong growth Moderate growth Strong recession No difference or change (Don’t know) (2) (3) (3) (5) (6) (4) (0) (6) (0) (3) (2) (5) (9) Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’07 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’07 Quarter 2 Jul-Sep’07 Quarter 4 Jan-Mar‘08 Quarter 1 Apr-Jun’08 Quarter 3 Oct-Dec’08 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 Period  Covering ROI Sector Analysis – Q3 0 36 42 22 55 % Construction and tradesmen 0 22 50 22 35 * % Manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, clothing and electronics 8 25 45 22 15 * % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 1 28 38 25 1 40 37 16 5 30 37 26 3 38 43 14 135 % Service – retail / distribution 55 % 85 % 120 % Other services Service – leisure, hotels, and catering Service – professional