Mr. John Horgan:

I wish to clarify something for Deputy Troy so that there is no misunderstanding. I referred to a meeting between worker directors, the chief executive and myself. That meeting took place yesterday, but it was a once-off. All members of the board are treated equally and are required by law to be treated equally. I have made it clear to the worker directors that it is not appropriate that some directors operate in a different fashion or that any directors have direct access to employees. All directors have exactly the same duties and responsibilities. That has been made clear. Worker directors are not representatives of the employees on the board; they are the same as every other member of the board and are treated accordingly. I have made that clear since I became chairman, and that will remain the position because that is what is required by good governance. I do not need to emphasise to any joint committee of the Oireachtas the importance of good governance. I am determined to ensure that all directors are treated equally, that they exercise the same duties and responsibilities and that there is no special treatment for any particular group of employees by directors. I wish to make that clear.