Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As I have used the raise hand feature and have now lowered the hand, I will get a gold star. Good morning to the witnesses. I thank them very much for the evidence they have given. This is a matter in which I have an interest for many reasons, mostly from a workers' rights perspective, as I am sure they appreciate. Some of the witnesses will have seen me speaking before the Covid-19 committee and they know their industry, almost uniquely outside the healthcare sector, was subject to the discussion by that committee. I am sure that was not comfortable for the witnesses and it was not a great place for any industry. Nevertheless, there were submissions to that committee because of outbreaks in factory settings and particularly those disproportionately affecting the workers. We know several plants were closed. The process was helpful as it shone a light on an industry that we might not often think or speak about. It is very welcome that we are having the engagement this morning and we will continue in that.

Mr. Carroll said that Meat Industry Ireland, which he represents, uses this permit system. I say to Ms McGinley that I am not comfortable with migrant workers being treated differently from or less well than any other group, category or type of worker. Of course I am not because that is not right but the law appears to facilitate that. In discussing the law we should be minded to have a discussion on how to improve the law so we can ensure there are more protections for workers. It is a great pity we never seem to have those types of conversation and it is always where worker rights need to be diminished or set aside or where we need to pit one group of workers against another, which is not the right way to go.

Ms McGinley described the inequalities that exist in the system, as well as low pay and precarious work. Is that her view on the manner in which migrants are treated within this industry?