I would also like to welcome the ambassador and embassy staff and congratulate Germany on its successful reunification. It was important not just for Germany but for all of Europe and the world. I wish herzlichen Glückwunsch an alle Deutsche in Irland.

This week we had some very sad news. A colleague of the Houses, Seamus Carroll, passed away very unexpectedly. I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to his colleagues, his friends and his family. He leaves behind a wife, a son and a daughter. I send our deepest condolences to Treasa, Cillian and Aisling. Seamus was a very familiar face to all of us. He was always courteous, accommodating and polite. He was always welcoming to us, our visitors and anybody we brought to the Houses. It is a great privilege for us to serve here but we only do it with the support of those who work with us. I offer deepest condolences to Seamus's family, colleagues and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I am really concerned about the complete lack of safety and, I believe, the lack of seriousness regarding the safety of our public representatives and their families. I have heard the Leader speak about this and I am sure other Members of the House have as well. This is an issue many of us have raised but the Association of Irish Local Government, AILG, captured it most recently in a report. It did a survey and found that over 63% of councillors who responded had experienced threats, intimidation and harassment. More than half had considered leaving their role because of the threats and harassment. In July, up to 70 female councillors had reported harassment. The problem is that the safety of public representatives and their families is not being taken seriously. That is the sad reality. Our democracy is based on people willing to show up, stand up and speak up. Decisions are made by those who do that but people are being harassed and intimidated. Our democracy depends on strong public representation at a local level. I acknowledge Councillor Rachel Hartigan who recently brought a motion to Clare County Council on this issue.

I call for a change to the electoral law. There have been recommendations. We need it to be changed so that personal home addresses are no longer published on public electoral documents. I also ask in the interim that local authorities provide elected representatives with a safe, accessible public address they can use and also provide them with a safe, accessible public space where they can meet constituents in a safe environment. I do not think it is too much to ask. It is not an extravagance that we cannot afford for our democracy. I would appreciate if the Leader would take up the issue.