James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is some disagreement between witnesses on different statements that have been made, or different views from abroad or from other fora that were touched on in submissions. As a committee we must deal with what is out there. While there are differences, perceptions can sometimes be stronger and they can have consequences also. It is important to deal with facts but it is also important to address issues that arise. The commissioner is attempting to do that, but perhaps as part of the body of work to be done there is a bit of marketing to be done too if this is the case. We do need to address those issues in every sense and that includes in the court of public opinion.

I will say to all witnesses, including the two witnesses in session with us now and those from earlier, that if there are other points that have not been addressed in the oral exchanges this evening, if there are other points the witnesses wish to make that have not been covered tonight or they feel could be covered in more detail, or if they want to reply to a particular point that was made, they are more than welcome to submit written submissions to the clerk of the committee for circulation to the committee members. That option is there and I would advise the witnesses to take it up. I would certainly find it useful to consider some of those points.

I now ask the commissioner to come in on the second question, and I will then move on to Deputy Pringle for the final question of the evening because we have gone over time.