Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)

It was 30 years ago that the Labour Party, while in government and supported by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions and Irish Congress of Trade Unions, made May Day a bank holiday, but its roots go much deeper than that. The Labour Party has always stood by the trade union movement. The connection is not symbolic - it is practical, principled and rooted in the shared belief deserve power, voice and respect. The alliance has given rise to a political force that championed decent pay, safe conditions and dignity in the workplace. To this day, trade unions remain a foundational part of the Labour Party’s structure and identity. Their voices help shape Labour’s policies, ensuring that the concerns of every teacher, nurse, retail worker, care assistant, construction worker and so many more stand in solidarity and are heard at the highest levels.

As we face modern challenges like job insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis, this partnership is more important than ever because when working people stand together in the workplace and in Dáil Éireann, we can build a fairer and more just society. It is time to enshrine essential workers' rights in law. These are the rights that guarantee every worker in Ireland the freedom to organise and negotiate collectively. Let us be clear that workers rights are human rights. Without strong collective bargaining laws and trade union recognition, those rights are weakened and inequality deepens. Now is the time to strengthen that bond and to legislate for the basic protections that workers in many other European countries already enjoy. No more excuses, no more delays. Let us not underestimate the real power of the EU directive on the adequate minimum wage which demands transposition into Irish law.

I would like to speak out against the outdated and unjust policy of sub-minimum pay rates for workers under the age of 20 in Ireland. A campaign on this has been spearheaded by Labour Youth activists. Right now, young workers can be paid significantly less than the minimum wage simply because of their age. This is not only discriminatory, it is unfair. A 19-year-old doing the same job with the same responsibilities and hours as a 25-year-old deserves equal pay. Work of equal value deserves equal reward. Age should not be used as the reason to undervalue someone’s labour. This policy sends a harmful message that young people’s time, effort and dignity are worthless. It deepens inequality, especially for those trying to find education, support families or gain independence. With the rising cost of living, these lower wages are not just unfair, they are unsustainable. Young people are the future of the Irish workforce. Instead of exploiting them, we should empower them. By abolishing sub-minimum wage rates, we affirm the principle that fair work deserves fair pay, regardless of a person’s age. Let us be clear – ending this practice is not just about economics but about respect, equality and justice.

Despite Ireland’s strong economic performance, we continue to have one of the lowest disability employment rates in Europe. Today, just over 30% of people with disabilities are in work. That compares with a European average of 52%. The gap is even wider for women, with only 15% in full-time employment. That is not just a statistic; it is a clear sign that our labour market is not inclusive. We urgently need a new comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities, one that tackles the barriers they face and actively supports access to meaningful and sustainable work. Legislating the right to flexible working is just one example of how we can build, or begin to build, a more inclusive employment landscape. Flexibility opens doors. It is time we ensure those doors are open to everybody, including the section 39 workers who provide crucial health and disability services in our communities and who voted on the WRC proposal. That ballot will be counted this week. If the deal is accepted by the workers we cannot let it stop there. There is still work to be done. Section 39 workers are 14 years without a pay increase and there is a pay gap. As soon as the independent review of section 39 pay is done in the first quarter of next year, we must move to close that gap and put section 39 workers on the same pay as HSE workers who are doing the same job.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the Together for Public Alliance, which was outside the gates today campaigning for a public model of early education and school-age childcare. We know public childcare is about far more than just labour activation for women but we also cannot ignore that it remains a barrier for women’s equality. Across Europe, countries which have implemented a truly public childcare system have seen women participate more fully in every part of society whether it is in the workplace, education, in arts and sports or in politics. In my own constituency of Fingal West, I hear daily from families who are struggling with lack of childcare options, lack of flexibility and the impossible costs. I acknowledge the early years educators who are some of the lowest paid workers in our country. Without them, Ireland would cease to function. It is time to begin the transition to a truly public model of early years and school-age childcare. This starts with nationalising wages and paying early educators fairly just like we do with other educators in our system. They deserve recognition, fair pay and our full support.

I acknowledge everyone who provides unpaid care work. This work is essential to the way our society functions yet is often overlooked and undervalued. It is time the state steps up to properly support and recognise this vital role.

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