IDA Ireland's success in attracting multinational companies to Ireland is posing a real threat to the expansion and the future viability of small Irish companies, according to the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association (ISME). The group warned yesterday that small to medium sized businesses in regional and remote areas are particularly vulnerable and are increasingly finding it difficult to hire skilled staff. "The labour and skill shortage is rapidly reaching crisis proportion. A measured response is needed from the Government," according to the ISME.