On behalf of the Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group I commend you for highlighting the issue of gangmastering activities in the Drumquin area in the June 5 edition of the UH.

Our group had received some

information regarding suspicious hiring practices by a Hungarian

national in Drumquin which we duly passed on to the PSNI. While we had been told some stories by a number of our members relating to alleged abusive treatment of Hungarian workers, it was proving very difficult to get people to come forward and officially complain to the authorities out of fear of reprisal.

We were pleased then to see the authorities taking decisive action on this matter as it brings a very necessary spotlight on to the murky world of migrant labour exploitation.

The Omagh District Area has been fortunate over the past few years to see a healthy integration process taking place between the local community and the large number of migrant workers who have come to live and work among us. Thankfully, there have been very few serious incidents of a racist or exploitative nature and long may that continue.

This recent action by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority is a salutary warning to anyone who might be contemplating taking advantage of vulnerable ethnic groups that there will be immediate action taken to prevent this occurring.

Long may your newspaper continue to highlight these issues which will help ensure good community relations among all groups living in the area.

Rose McCrystal

Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group