Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses very much for all that information. ICBHR might share with the office of the committee details of any of those companies we can bring in. Certainly, we need to perhaps have some engagement with the German and Dutch authorities and possibly contact their representatives as well.

It is important that we do not let a message go out that we feel that Irish companies are irresponsible. Some of the speakers indicated that there has been significant change and that, in the main, companies are very responsible. In the main, Irish companies are receptive to this and will engage with it. As a result, it is important that we put this message out there.

One point for Trócaire is that we must also be aware that any action has a consequence. As laudable and important as this is, it will probably not change the situation on the ground. It may not effect the change we need to see in workers' rights and welfare in many of these countries. If anything, the work that is perhaps there could possibly disappear altogether. Is there something that needs to be done? Do we need to look at this from two sides? It is okay that we can feel good about ourselves and that we are being responsible and ethical in where we source our products. As a country with a strong identity in humanitarian aid and human rights, however, do we also need to be looking at the potential consequences of this?