Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. McMahon for all the information supplied today and for coming before the committee. Obviously, we try to deal with meetings in a certain way but due to the Covid regulations it is a bit disjointed. Sometimes we find ourselves talking over each other because we do not have the same benefits we would have if we were all in the same room. We are doing our best with it and I thank Mr. McMahon for being patient with us.

We really appreciate the work Mr. McMahon has done on this. It is a very important piece of work and he referred to the pension pot which is one issue of concern. That is made up of PRSI contributions and if correct contributions are not going in, there will not be enough in the pot. Another important point is the conditions for workers. I know one of the Deputies mentioned earlier that anyone who thinks there is no bogus self-employment has not been out in the fresh air, and has not been out in the world. I say that having been out in the fresh air because I have certainly seen it going on and am aware of it going on. People involved in and working in those industries are in a very difficult precarious situation. As legislators, we have a responsibility to try to do what we can. Our role here is to make sure the public accounts are in order but by virtue of that, it will help in some way to protect those workers as well.

That was a good exchange. I thank the members of the committee. I know they asked questions and looked into this before. They asked thoughtful questions and I thank them for that. I also thank the committee secretariat. The information has been provided to us. I understand the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands intends to examine and report on the issue of bogus self-employment. I propose we forward the information gathered on this matter to that committee for any action that is deemed appropriate. Is that agreed?