Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee. Dr. Smyth described the relationship between the HRI, the IHRB and the Department as complex. On the basis of the evidence we have heard over three meetings, I would describe the relationship as being far too cosy. On a number of occasions, Dr. Smyth described the IHRB as an independent body. Part of the difficulty in terms of building public confidence is that it is not seen as independent. Rather, it is seen as being an organisation run for and by the industry and there is no independence in terms of the board. Everybody on the board comes from within the industry.