Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure if Mr. Murray was tuned in to the previous session. Just for his information, the witnesses stated that there were 100 members from widespread coastal communities, from Mayo down around the west coast and back around the east coast. They would have a lot more members who would also put their heads above the parapet but they are fearful to do that because they are subjected to harassment and are subjected to bullying and different issues. This is why they will not come forward. We have heard that at different levels. This is what people are saying to me.

I put it to Mr. Murray, as a person who is on this advisory committee, that I believe it is the wrong term. It is not a representative group. This is what the other group is trying to do: to actually represent people. It is ironic that the terms and conditions changed in the weekend before this hearing. That change is welcome but, for me, the organisation is constituted in the wrong way. It is not at arm's length from management. This is what volunteers are saying to me. I welcome the fact that it is being reconstituted, that the organisation will have access to a HR consultant and that there is a secretariat available. How many years has it taken to bring it to that particular point? To get on CUAG, who does one need to be? Is there a vote? There are some ordinary volunteers on its now as well, but how did they end up on it? The group we spoke to in the previous session did not know how those ordinary members got on to CUAG.