Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious that we are somewhat constrained in what we can say despite the knowledge of other information we have. There is an ongoing investigation. I thank the witnesses for coming. The Department is in a difficult place ,but it is in everyone's interests that we have a fully open, transparent and fair process. It is important that there is a fair process and we do not lose sight of the kernel of the problem rather than focusing on the personalities alleged to be involved. We have to tread carefully. I thank the representatives of the organisations for coming before the committee and giving up their time. They have stewardship responsibilities and governmental responsibilities, which they fulfil well. The only message I want to share is one that Mr. Sheahan might want to discuss with his colleagues. We should have an independent and external review. There is clearly much fact-finding going on in the Department but it cannot be a complete process, and certainly not one that the public will have confidence in if it remains an internal investigation and even if Interpol, the Garda, the Food Safety Authority and other organisations are involved. I thank the witnesses for giving up their time to come before the committee.