Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McIntyre for her presentation earlier. We had to suspend the meeting as there was a vote in the Dáil Chamber, which is now finished.

Before I afford my colleagues an opportunity to question the witnesses, I would like to refer to a comment made by Mr. Boyle. He stated that his organisation takes issue with the fact that "people who vilified the industry (...) were invited to come before this committee and make false allegations against the industry, the WRC and the Garda". As Chairman of the committee and on behalf of my colleagues, I would like to state quite clearly that I take issue with his comment. This is a fair and impartial, balanced committee. We were contacted by the Migrant Rights Council of Ireland, MRCI, and the International Transport Workers' Federation, ITF, as they had concerns. The members decided to invite them in as we do for all organisations. When the organisations left, we went into private session and decided we would hear from the other side. I would like to state on the record today as Chairman of this committee that I take offence to Mr. Boyle's suggestion that this committee would invite people in who are being misleading and making unsubstantiated accusations. There are two sides to every story and that is why we are here today.

I call Senator James Reilly.