Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have had an extraordinary number of achievements and legislative work. It is detailed and important work. The work of tracking legislation and bringing it through takes a year or two. People may have to see their secretarial assistant move on twice or three times in a term, not out of lack of loyalty or because they do not love the work but because they need to progress, they want to be able to have families or to perhaps get a home. They should not have to choose between these things. We really need to make sure action is taken. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission has supported the call for action on the pay claim. Now it sits with the Government and with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. We have all had the experience of brilliant people who are passionate about the work coming in here but having to make the hard choice to leave. Can we make sure that we try to recognise their work? Could the Leader try to progress this in any way that is appropriate, including, if appropriate, a discussion in the House?