Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Okay. I thank the witnesses for the information they supplied. We have had a good examination of the sector this morning.

There is a lot done. We accept that there are improvements to traceability, etc. That is happening. That is good.

There are figures for the past ten years. Other members and I quote data that show there would be issues for concern. Hopefully, it can be lifted.

I hope it is accepted that the welfare issue is directly linked to the attendance and the credibility of the sector. We want to see improvements. I am sure the Department officials do as well. It is really important that that happens. That is the message going from here this morning that there have been improvements made and we want to see significant improvements. I look forward to the strategic plan, hopefully, that can point the way forward for the sector over the next eight or ten years.

I thank the Rasaíocht Con Éireann representatives for attending and the officials from the Department for the work involved in preparing for the meeting. I also thank the staff from the Comptroller and Auditor General's office for attending today and assisting the committee.

Is it agreed that the clerk to the committee will seek any follow-up information and carry out any agreed actions? Agreed. Is it also agreed that we note and publish the opening statements and the briefings provided for today's meeting? Agreed.

The meeting will suspended until 1.30 p.m. when we will resume in public session to address correspondence and any other business of the committee.