Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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 on 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-----