Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I will not speak for too long as I met the three witnesses last week. I commend them on coming before the committee.

To update the witnesses, as I said I would last week, I contacted the Department of Justice and Equality, which has referred the matter to the Garda Commissioner to get the detailed information to which Deputy O'Callaghan is referring in order that we get the cost and the numbers and hopefully, present a case that delivers something for them. The principle of a social contract that underpins the model in the State is that when one pays into something, there should be reciprocity in return. The State is failing to honour its side, as Senator Craughwell mentioned, and it is important that we try to vindicate their situation. I will continue to represent the witnesses' concern and will work with them over the summer to get the detailed information and hopefully will forward and progress their case in order that they see some return in the future.

It is unfair that they have been failed by all, by the body that previously was meant to represent them and the Department of Justice and Equality. Given they are being wrangled by statute and the property rights, as seen in precedent, and they have been limited in a legal context, it is important that the Oireachtas and politics should respond in a fair manner. This committee will do so.

I thank the witnesses for coming before us. We will try to continue to help them.