I am just speaking from my perspective. I will go to Limerick with the Senator and he will meet the people who are being paid more than the minimum wage. That is the reality. We have today ensured that workers are protected by this. I come from a perspective that is many miles from that of Senator Burke. I may be much closer to Senator Gavan in terms of-----

I would never join the Senator, but I certainly have a similar view on protecting workers rights, as does, to be fair, the Minister of State. That is what we are doing today. We are making provision. That is the fundamental point about this legislation. There is also the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Bill later on. It is about ensuring that workers' conditions and living standards are looked after by the Government. This is a positive day. I take Senator Gavan's point on board. The Minister of …

Just to assist Senator Craughwell, section 59 is very explicit and the Minister of State has given a very clear answer this afternoon. I think we need to be able to proceed. All of us agree safety is paramount. The Bill provides as follows: it shall be the duty of the company to provide assistance and advice as the Minister may require; it shall be the duty of the company to give the Minister such information as may be specified; and it shall be the duty of the company to permit the Minister to have access to all d…

There is not.

That is totally irrelevant.

That is not fair.

I acknowledge it is about striking a balance. As my colleagues, Senators Seery Kearney, Currie and Maria Byrne, have said, we have been engaging with the Local Jobs Alliance. From talking to constituents who own and operate small and medium-sized enterprises, we understand there is a concern about the costs of this to the employer as well. I know I spoke earlier about the employee, and it might be said that I am riding both horses, but I am not. I am conscious of the burden we are putting on the employer while reco…

The Minister of State should be given credit for the way in which he supports small and medium enterprises. It is important that the Government offers support to small and medium enterprise owners and employers because they are the backbone of our communities. Without them, we would have a very different economic outlook today. On the wider picture of the summer economic statement and the forthcoming budget, I made the point that it is incumbent upon us in this House, even though we have no direct role in the budge…

I welcome and thank members of SIPTU. As Senator Seery Kearney said, we are here because of a collective effort and the input of so many. Senator Gavan's tips Bill was a starting point and it acted as a catalyst. In fairness to the Minister of State, Deputy English, and the Tánaiste, there was engagement and a willingness to listen to what we are speaking about. Senator Seery Kearney used a great phrase "red-circled for the workers". That is who we are here for today and who the Bill, whose interest is the employee…

I do not mind paying but - I mean this with the best intention - I actually have a fear of paying a tip in a bill using a card and I actually refuse to do so. I know I am old school and old fashioned and I put my hand up but Senator Casey's contribution reinforces that principle in my mind and my continued determination not to do that. There is a myriad of reasons that we will not go into because it could open another Pandora's box. Senator Casey made a fine point and we should reflect upon it. In an ideal world, w…

The Minister of State made a point that I think is something that we, as a Government, should work on. The Minister of State is being very proactive and progressive in the work permit area as is the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, in the whole area of apprenticeships. Yesterday the Minister, Deputy Harris, announced a new apprenticeship programme. He specifically mentioned chefs and executive chefs. The Minister of State made the point about these jobs bei…

I still believe in this though.

I ask that the Minister for Transport comes to this House to facilitate a debate on the plans for Dublin Airport. Senator Ó Donnghaile has been slightly alarmist with what he said. The members of the Defence Forces are not going to work as security guards but will support and augment the work that is being done by the staff of the Dublin Airport Authority.

It would be more in the Senator's line to support the workers than play politics with the issue in here. The reality is that the prevalence of Covid-19 is increasing, staff are missing, airlines across the world and in Europe are cancelling flights every day and there are strikes in parts of the world. I applaud the Dublin Airport Authority for being proactive, notwithstanding the difficulties it does have. I take the point the Senator made about taking staff welfare on board, and how you look after workers is a fu…

I have the misfortune of having to follow Senator McDowell. He makes a pertinent point in two parts. I congratulate Senator Dolan on the work she has done in the committee on the Bill but it needs further parsing and teasing out. Perhaps if Senator McDowell reviews section 68, it may answer some of his questions. I was reading this the other night. I was wondering why, to my mind and from that initial cursory reading, we were giving huge power to the chief executive. Then I note in section 68 a provision on the app…

I begin by congratulating the State Examinations Commission on its announcement that the leaving certificate results will be announced on 2 September. It was long overdue. I support Senator Boyhan's call for this House to have a rolling debate on health. I made a point yesterday about disability matters. It is not about bringing in the Minister for Health; the Minister of State, Deputy Butler; the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte; or the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan. This House also needs accountability from…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his presence at the most enjoyable and celebratory Equali-TEA and coffee morning in the Members' dining room. I thank all involved in what is an important celebration of Pride month. Yesterday, Senator Clonan made a powerful contribution on the Order of Business regarding the state of services for children with disabilities and the need for the State to look after them. I supported him in that regard. This morning, the Ombudsman for Children said the State is failing children with educ…

Absolutely.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Senator McDowell's reference to aspiration versus ambition, plan, succession and implementation is a very apt place to begin. This is a very important debate but it is not just a debate. It is about changing how we do business and changing our lifestyles. That is why it is important this debate is healthy. As Senators Mullen and McDowell said, it is also about challenging whether we are right as a Government in how we are doing this and how we can achieve the climate action plan figures…

I welcome the Minister of State. I congratulate and thank Senators Boyhan and McDowell for this important motion. I hope that there is unanimous support for it and that the House will not divide because this is an important debate on the continuum of care. I thank the Neurological Alliance of Ireland for its wonderful campaign. I thank Deputy Colm Burke, who was instrumental last week in arranging an important briefing in the AV room. Last week, Senator O’Donovan and I raised hospital services in a timely Commencem…