Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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Like other speakers, I am deeply disappointed that the Peter McVerry Trust, the DRHE and the Department have made themselves unavailable and have declined our constructive invitation for them to appear at a public session of the Oireachtas joint committee on housing. They would not have been appearing for our entertainment or solely for our information. This is a public forum where they would have had an opportunity to explain to the public what has gone on and, most importantly, to reassure the public about the path forward. Assurances could have been given on the continuation and quality of the services that would be provided and the path being pursued to re-establish the credibility and integrity of the organisation in the public's mind. It is hugely disappointing. We all recognise and are familiar with the types of investigations being conducted by the approved housing bodies regulator and the Charities Regulator. Those two organisations have a job to do. They are mandated to do those jobs. I, and I am sure the rest of the committee, have confidence they will do that job in a way that will be helpful to the public. However, the organisation itself also has an obligation. It has a responsibility to the public and, most importantly, to its service users. I support the Cathaoirleach's suggestion. I appeal to the Peter McVerry Trust and the other invitees to reconsider and to come back to us with a constructive proposal for a public engagement.