John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are here because they contacted us and we decided to give them a platform to highlight the issue. This is the role of the committees. We felt it was better to have the CER here on the same occasion. It is not the committee's role to carry out arbitration between both sides. However, it is an opportunity to highlight the issue. Mr. Egan mentioned initially that the APHCI wanted to achieve a level playing field and a proactive approach to finding illegal operators, and it is fair enough. However, Mr. Egan also said the association wanted the joint committee to provide an independent consultant to investigate. That is not the role of committees and we do not have the power. I do not want to promise something we cannot do. We can produce a report in which we make recommendations to be taken on board by those who can make decisions, such as the Minister. I want to be clear on what is happening here today and our role. We are delighted to give the opportunity to highlight this and it will allow Mr. Giffney to articulate the frustration of the APHCI members and the CER to put across the message that this is an issue.