What it is not about-----

What it is not about, a Cheann Comhairle-----

In my experience the Opposition does not seem to have any challenge speaking, including speaking over me. What this is actually about is not taking a minute of speaking time off Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, Labour, the Social Democrats, Independent Ireland or anybody I have left out but saying that, twice a week for eight minutes, we will allow people who got democratically elected with thousands of votes to stand up on behalf of their constituents and ask a couple of questions. I think that is perfectly reason…

That is the truth. We see here during Leaders' Questions that the Opposition does not want any of us over here to be able to speak. There is a new tactic since the Dáil came back. It is studs up, shout them down, put up the video on Twitter and misrepresent the position.

We are not going to take it anymore. I am going to speak on behalf of my democratic mandate as well.

I love the fact Deputy Louise O'Reilly thinks everything is so hilarious. I do not think it is hilarious that the Opposition is continuing to misrepresent people in here having a chance to ask a question. People who got elected in the Deputy's constituency who support the Government-----

-----have every right as well-----

On the second part of Deputy Boyd Barrett's question, on section 39 workers, I agree that these individuals do incredibly important work in our health, disability and social care services. I also agree that we need to address the issue of pay with urgency. That is why, this week, my Cabinet colleagues, the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, updated the Cabinet on this matter. The next step is to get people back into the WRC. I want workers to know talks are scheduled to resume on Mo…

There is the arrogance.

The Deputy must be exhausted from all that shouting at me. There is no need to shout at me. I am listening to him very clearly here.

I am hearing and listening. Please listen back.

I have said very clearly we are going to go to the WRC, and yes I am going to say "WRC" because, as the Deputy's constituent would know and as everybody around the country knows, that is where we sort out pay issues.

We do not sort them by shouting and roaring at each other. We sort them through the established industrial relations mechanism of this country.

The Government sets the mandate for that. I have already told the Deputy and, much more important, people at home that the Cabinet was updated on this matter this week and the talks are going to progress at the WRC on Monday.

No, sorry, that is a commitment. It is a very clear commitment.

It is a very clear commitment to make progress.

Deputy Boyd Barrett let the mask slip here. He believes his question and the ferocity of his question are better than all their questions-----

-----and more valuable. It is not. The Deputy is definitely a passionate contributor, but everybody in government and opposition-----

This a parliamentary democracy and everyone has a right to put their question-----

-----and I am going to vindicate the right of my party colleagues.