Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I see Ms Hanna is back. I will make one point, which is only by way of information. When we met ex-prisoners, we got one case relating to a transport company that is a semi-State body. We wrote to the company and the answer we got, in fairness to it, was that it was engaging directly with the people concerned. That is the only complaint we received that I am aware of and it was being dealt with.

If there is an update on that, the committee would be happy to pursue it.

On the other point in regard to the Garda and Mr. Holder's experiences, which he obviously observed, there is no doubt about that. Society is becoming increasingly multicultural. My belief is that An Garda Síochána is committed to fair and equitable policing. Given Mr. Holder's experience, which obviously did happen, it is important that we get spokespersons for the Garda, the Department of Justice and any other appropriate bodies before the committee. To broaden the issue a little, trans-border human trafficking is the issue about which we are concerned. On that point, the Department of Justice has issued its annual report for 2019. I do not now if there is a 2021 report yet. We should put this in a proper and appropriate context. We also need to find out what the policy is in the North as well because the police have expressed concerns about the fact the European Union stops technically at the Border, even though it does not. The problem of back-door entry to the UK through the North is the other issue. It is complex but we will get clear answers to the points Mr. Holder raised.