First, I support the proposal from Senator McGahon for a discussion on the event he has organised for 1 p.m.

I thank Government for supporting the pay increases for the section 39, section 56 and section 10 workers. There has been a significant campaign over a long number of years, particularly for those working in disability services who were struggling to get employees. They were losing employees out of that sector to the HSE, where they earned significantly more money. I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, and everyone involved in putting the support package in place - an 8% increase. I ask that the deadline of 1 December for the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, negotiations be strictly adhered to and that we 100% honour the commitments we made to avert the strike proposed. As I said, they provide significant services in all our communities. In one area in my local community, St. Christopher’s Services struggled with staff and losing staff in light of the large disparity there. I welcome the pay increase.

In the last few seconds I have, I wish to speak about tourism, which I cover-----

It is one item per two minutes. The Senator is stretching it now.

My support as a tourism representative-----

The Chair has gone soft.

I know.

I am reiterating my support for the tourism industry in respect of the knock-on downstream effects that restaurants, pubs, etc., have faced as a result of the lack of footfall due to accommodation being used to support Ukrainian refugees. There is a serious knock-on effect on footfall in tourist areas, particularly outside Dublin. We need to make sure that in any measures we put in place, all those are covered with supports larger than what is being put in place with regard to rates, which is only for those who pay up to €20,000 in rates per year.