The actions of P&O Ferries last week highlighted the brutality of capitalism, with 800 workers sacked by video call, special handcuff trained security sent in to clear them off the ships and the company hiring new workers on wages as low as $2.38 per hour. This is part of a wider race to the bottom. The RMT union has reported that workers on the Dublin-Liverpool route were on a basic rate of $3.47 per hour.

Companies like this are little better than pirates on the sea, flying whatever flag of convenience they need in order to avoid respecting workers' rights. We must draw a line in the sand, push back against the race to the bottom, push for a publicly owned transport system that provides connectivity and engage in boycotts, mass protests, blockades and solidarity strikes to force the companies in question to rehire these workers. Will the Government support workers taking action like that?

What is the Government's position on the €1,000 pandemic payment for healthcare workers? It is reported that some healthcare front-line workers received as little as €200. Reports also indicate that the HSE is not complying with what was announced by the Government and the Department because the reward is being paid on a pro rata basis. Will the Tánaiste specify if the condition of a pro rata payment was agreed by the Government? Will the Tánaiste confirm when the payments will be made?

With regard to Deputy Paul Murphy's comments, what P&O Ferries has done to its staff is appalling. I am glad that those who are employed under Irish law could not be treated in this way and have not been. I understand that some Irish seafarers who are based in other jurisdictions are affected. What P&O Ferries has done is wrong. I understand that the UK Government is examining this to see if what the company has done is legal. There may well be a legal remedy to this. I note that the union concerned, RMT, backed Brexit and is now calling for the nationalisation of shipping lines. It is a pity that those workers are represented by a union that really is not acting in their interests and is not doing them any favours, but they should not be punished for that. What has happened is wrong and the UK Government really should do what is necessary to intervene.

The bonus for healthcare workers and other Covid pandemic workers is a payment of €1,000 for people who worked full time for that period. It is pro rata for those who did not work for the entire period. The detail of that is being worked out. We want to get that resolved as soon as possible in order that the payment can be made.

If I may, and I beg the Ceann Comhairle's indulgence, I will mention two bereavements. The first relates to the passing of Mr. Jim Kelly, one of Ireland's most senior diplomats at the United Nations. I have been asked by the Taoiseach to say that Mr. Kelly passed away suddenly in recent days. I extend my condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs, for many of whom he was a father figure. We certainly regret his loss.

In my capacity as the president of the Oireachtas rugby club, I acknowledge the sudden and tragic death of Mr. David Hill, who died on the field of play at the weekend. That was quite a shock to everyone. I extend my condolences to the Scottish Parliament and to Mr. Hill's family, friends and colleagues. My thanks to the IRFU, St. Vincent's Hospital and others who kicked in and helped out after the tragedy occurred.