Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept what Mr. Kelly said in respect of what is happening in Britain, where the ombudsman was brought in only recently. Would a system similar to that in Britain work in Ireland? There has been a great deal of discussion regarding the cost involved in putting in place a statutory - or even a voluntary - structure. Would putting an ombudsman, or an independent adjudicator, as the relevant official is known in the UK, provide a practical solution? Would it represent a step forward? As Deputy Pringle indicated, suppliers are afraid to come forward. The multiples continue to state that there is no issue, that everyone gets along and that they cannot wait to do business with each other. There is no hard evidence to suggest that there is an issue here. Would the appointment of an independent adjudicator or an ombudsman represent the way forward?