Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It really came to light during the summer, when farmers were protesting outside the meat factories. A lot of the workers there came into the country on permits. They were living from week to week. Some of them were laid off. I was in contact with some of these workers. It was one of the side-effects of the strike. Jobs were being lost outside and inside the plants. Some of these workers, who were low-skilled or had no skills, were literally living on a week-to-week remuneration. Things were very difficult at that stage. It is very welcome that the permit Bill is being examined. It is very important.

I thank the witnesses for their input and for attending today's meeting to engage with the committee. If they would like to listen to the rest of the meeting they are more than welcome.