Mr. Cormac Healy:

Workers taken on through agencies may have been an aspect of the sector in the past, but they are certainly not now. If there is any agency work, it is a very low percentage of overall employment within the meat sector. It is an extremely small amount. There is direct labour now. For permitted workers, direct applications must be submitted by the employers. Hiring through agencies may have been an aspect of the past, but it is certainly not the situation in the industry now. It may be a feature in other countries, as mentioned.

It has been stated that this sector is operating at minimum wage. It is important to point out that is not the case. The minimum wage is not the prevailing situation across the industry. It accounts for a proportion, particularly at commencement, but wage rates progress upwards. Depending on skill levels and time in the job, many people have progressed well beyond that level. Stating that the minimum wage is the prevailing pay rate in the industry is incorrect.