Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I thank Mr. Brennan and the other witnesses for the stark evidence they have given this evening. I had to dip in and out of the meeting in order to vote but I am familiar with the case. I was on the farm with the then Minister, John Gormley, and the then Deputy, Mary White, a number of years ago. I have visited many farms over recent years in my role in the Department. The one thing I take from the farm visits I carry out is the great pride farmers take in their farms, their land, their herds and their work. To have their work and their integrity questioned and brought under the spotlight is just awful. I cannot imagine the trauma it has inflicted on Mr. Brennan and his family for this length of time. He has received universal support here this evening. It is up to the committee, through the Chair's good chairmanship, to plot a way forward regarding the evidence we have heard. I offer my support to Mr. Brennan and his family. I thank him again for his courage and perseverance, and that of his family, over an extremely long period of time.

I think justice needs to be brought here, and that is important. Again, I thank Mr. Brennan for his contribution.