John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. We have been waiting to have this conversation for a long time. I am grateful that the witnesses have shown up in such numbers. Clearly, it is an indication of how seriously they take the issue. I hope I am not misrepresenting him, but Deputy Boyd Barrett has been particularly exercised in simple terms on the broader issue of pay and conditions, in particular for those who are considered to be lower down the food chain. The witnesses have spoken about the issue in general terms. To some extent, it is at the heart of why the witnesses are here, so I will spend a little bit of time on the issue. I have eight and three quarter minutes left, so I will give the witnesses time to respond until we have five minutes left and then I might raise my hand again. Whoever wants to answer the question and address the issue can speak to it.