Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to add my voice to the call from Senator Gavan for a debate on human rights and trade policy. These are going to be crucial issues in regard to the trade agreements we make on Brexit also, so a general consideration and discussion on how we incorporate and reflect human rights principles in our trade policy would be very welcome in the new year.

I rise in the main to speak about the human rights advocate, Cormac Ó Braonáin, who I know was acknowledged earlier in the House. I knew Cormac when he was an 11 year old, a very passionate 11 year old who was already writing political songs with his school friends at the time. I had the honour of working alongside him in campaigns, including the presidential campaign and others, and seeing him as an activist.I spoke to him last Saturday at the rally for peace. As he so often did, he was standing in international and national solidarity with the most vulnerable groups in society and arguing for progressive and positive change. It was extraordinarily tragic to hear of his passing later that evening. It is a significant loss to his family and all those with whom he worked and, indeed, the Labour Party - he was recently elected the chair of Labour Youth - as well as the broader progressive movement and debate within society. In his 19 years, he had an extraordinary impact. I know many people from all kinds of parties and backgrounds and of various ages who were affected by the conversations they had with Cormac and found his passion infectious and ideas compelling. His effect will continue to be felt. I hope that we can, through our political work, honour some of the principles he put forward.

His spirit of activism, delivery and wanting change is reflected in many of our parliamentary staff, including secretarial assistants, people who work for Members of both Houses and give their time and energy to multiply and amplify our work. I am proud to sign the cross-party motion encouraging and demanding that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, and his Department engage on the matter to ensure we do not go into another Oireachtas term in which those who work with us as Senators are not recognised or adequately resourced. Their work, skills and the qualifications many of them have are not being recognised. We need to look at their pay and conditions.

My final point-----