We have a work programme. Over lunch the clerk will give the work programme to the witnesses which outlines the work we do in a full year and the areas we either investigate or about which we bring in as witnesses representatives from various business organisations, trade unions, people involved in employment law or whatever. They make a presentation and we cross-examine them on their statements, ascertain further information and make recommendations as a result of that. Today we dealt with the issue of the small print in contracts which consumers have difficulty reading. That was the last presentation. We had the National Consumer Agency before us as well. That organisation tries to help consumers in respect of prices and so on. That issue is relevant now because the euro has appreciated against the dollar and sterling, which should mean goods coming into Ireland are cheaper but those reductions are not being passed on to the consumer. That was the focus of our intense discussions this morning for almost two hours. In that context we will make recommendations to the Minister.
In fairness, Ministers generally pay a great deal of attention to the work of committees because all parties have members on the committees. If a unanimous recommendation goes from the committee to the relevant Minister, it is an indication that thought has been given to it by the members, including members of the Government parties. They are reflecting a view that they want considered. Ministers pay attention to those recommendations and determine if a resolution of the particular issue can be achieved, if legislative intervention is required or if the objective can be achieved in another way.
This committee has a wide remit, including employment law, trade, visiting other countries and observing the mutual benefit of trading blocs at European Union level and across the world in terms of the World Trade Organisation talks. The witnesses will be aware that a referendum is due to be held in this country which is important in the context of treaty obligations and so on. All those areas feed into the committee and we meet for two to three hours every two weeks and sometimes every week if there is legislative work to be done. Last week we dealt with Committee Stage of the Chemicals Bill, which is the REACH regulation that had to be implemented.
This is a busy committee because it has such a wide remit, as I am sure is the witnesses' committee. Over lunch we will give them a copy of the programme outlining the way the committee operates and its membership. We look forward to having a more intensive discussion as we enjoy our lunch, which will be at 1 p.m., if that is suitable. I understand the witnesses will visit other areas of the Houses of the Oireachtas in the interim but we are delighted to have them here with us. I join Deputy Kirk in welcoming the witnesses. I hope they enjoy their stay and that it will prove to be mutually fruitful.
