Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests. In the context of this report, it is important that we have independent, evidence-based research. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence around the sector, which is a part of the challenge. I was at the meeting the committee had with representatives of Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Restaurants Association of Ireland, and vintners' representatives. Dare I say it, the picture that was painted then was different from the picture being drawn today. I have no doubt but that it is not all rosy in the garden. I certainly would not support any bad or exploitative employers. I disagree with Mr. Hayes's choice of phrase when he said there is a culture of exploitation within the sector. I would challenge that on the basis that I think the overwhelming majority of employers are either good employers or want to be good employers. That is not to say there are issues that cannot be addressed.

Mr. Kelly made a point about full compliance with all workplace laws. I agree, but the Workplace Relations Commission must have a role in that regard. Part of the challenge facing me relates to listening to the two sets of evidence. I generally tend to find that the truth is somewhere in between.

The suggestion that there is a culture of exploitation would seem to imply that a majority, or a significant number, of employers are exploiting workers. I do not necessarily accept that. I will challenge our guests on that point and ask them to prove their case.