I raise the issue of workers' rights and public sector workers. I support public sector workers across the country who are beginning industrial action. The Government needs to engage with these workers in good faith to come up with a proper pay agreement. These are front-line workers across the country, including teachers, special needs assistants, healthcare workers, nurses, firefighters, public servants and civil servants, including people working in the Houses of the Oireachtas. I stand with them. The Government needs to show respect to them. These people are struggling with payment of rents, saving for a home of their own or paying mortgages. They are struggling with the high cost of energy, childcare and transport. We need to take them seriously. The country would come to a halt without these workers. It is important for the Government to engage with them so we can come to a solution here. Nobody wants to be striking. These workers want to get on with their jobs but unfortunately they are in this position because they need a new pay agreement. I stand with the unions which represent them so well.

I expressed my solidarity with the student movement, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn, which is having a national protest calling for better funding for the higher education sector, the ending of the student contribution fee and a proper student accommodation strategy. I stand with those students in their calls in their pre-budget submission.

I offer my condolences to the family of Seamus Carroll, an usher in these Houses, on his passing. He will be deeply missed by all of us in the Houses of the Oireachtas.