Mr. David Brennan:

Some of the points raised by the members explain why we are here today. In our own jobs, we continually deal with our members who are dealing with the general public. I am quite happy to speak for all of my colleagues. We are engaging but we are happy to engage even more. As regards the question, however, we do not have facts. This is one of the reasons we are here before the committee. It has been suggested by two members of the committee that a forum should be set up and empirical research undertaken.

As businesses dealing with clients, we know there are views that our city has deteriorated in the past year and, hence, we are appearing before the committee today. Deputy McFadden and Deputy Finian McGrath have asked for fact-based evidence and we would like to see this brought forward. We would all assist in that. It would be marvellous if this subject were to be taken out and aired. That is why we are here today.