Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)

Oireachtas broadcast workers are calling on the Government to end their low-hour contracts and poor working conditions by integrating them into the Civil Service. The team of around 20 manages the live broadcasts of all Dáil, Seanad and committee proceedings, ensuring they are all accessible to the public. However, the team says they are currently paid half the standard industry rate for comparable roles and calls on the Government and Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to take action to ensure they are treated with the fairness and respect they deserve. Despite their vital role, they are paid just €12,000 a year on average, denied permanent contracts and lack job security. Many are forced to rely on social welfare or to seek additional jobs just to survive, especially during recess. This is unfair and unacceptable for workers who serve the public interest. We cannot keep discussing workers' rights when we have not sorted out our own house. This must be addressed as it is essential to how the Oireachtas functions. We have no right to criticise other groups outside the Oireachtas when this House struggles to get it right.

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