Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators who contributed on our motion, particularly those who so eloquently indicated their support for it.

Senator Craughwell used the phrase "lip service" regarding the issue of sick pay for workers. It is extraordinary that Government Senators and a Minister of State would come into this House to express support for the introduction of paid sick leave and in the same breath indicate support for an amendment to the motion. Let us call a spade a spade: there is no word of commitment to the introduction of paid sick leave in the counter-motion. It refers to consideration of reforms, research into the extent of the problem, consideration of the practical issues, and, as Senator Higgins highlighted, consideration of other options for change that might be available that would not make it more difficult for employers to remain viable. That is really what the Government is talking about, rather than supporting those in need of paid sick leave.

As a new Senator in this House, I know that my word is as good as the words of the Labour Party motion. My word is reflected in the motion and the Government's word is reflected in the counter-motion, which offers no support. It is laughable that the Government welcomes the recent introduction of the parent's benefit scheme and extended parental leave rights, as if these could be of any help to parents who find they have to isolate at home with their children.A person must give an employer six week's notice in writing if he or she wants to apply for unpaid parental leave. For paid parental leave that is up to a period of 12 months - two weeks in a 12-month period. As such it is ridiculous to suggest that is of any relevance or use to parents whose children have to stay home from school or childcare in the context of the pandemic. A number of Senators have referred in this House to the actual asks within our motion. There are three. First, to expedite the consultation with trade unions and businesses to introduce the statutory right. Second, to provide for a series of targeted and easy-to-access supports to employers because we recognise that there needs to be supports for employers.Third, we are asking for the extension of force majeureleave as an extraordinary and temporary measure.

My politics, and those of the Labour Party, are not about grandstanding or making fine speeches. They are about trying to make real and practical progress for the workers who need that support. What we have here, however, is Government Senators coming into this House and ignoring what the precise asks in our motion are. It is not about bringing the Bill that was before the Dáil into this House. I have chosen not to do that because I want to bring the matter forward, to get the support of the whole House so that this Chamber can say to Members of the Lower House that we want them to get their act together and move quickly on introducing paid sick leave. That would be a reflection of all the nice words that have been said today about introducing that leave. Therefore, the Minister of State and Government Senators in particular now have a choice to withdraw their amendment and support our three simple asks which will not change the world but will send an important signal that the Government is onboard with trying to expedite the process. It would send an important message that the Government wants to help workers who need it, workers who are, in the main, in low-paid insecure employment and who do not have access to paid sick leave. Otherwise, the Minister of State and Government Senators are just talking out of both sides of their mouths. It is a shameful hypocrisy to say that on the one hand one wants paid sick leave and to see it introduced but on the other hand to support the amendment. It is, therefore, in the hands of the Government Members. Workers in this country have listened to platitudes for six months now about the need to support workers, in particular when workers are ill and have access only to an income which is way below what they need, particularly if they are struggling to make ends meet. I strongly urge Government Senators to withdraw their amendment or else we will really know what their true intentions are.