Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by associating myself with the vote of sympathy to the former councillor, the late Noel Collins, who was a friend of mine. Noel was an extraordinary character and a dedicated public representative. I pay tribute to him today. I smile as I recall that he always finished his conversations with me by asking: "And how is your daddy?" That was his final parting comment every time I met him. He was an extraordinary man.

I support Senator Craughwell's motion on Georgia and I wish to be associated with the remarks of Senator Wilson regarding the need for the motion to be progressed today.

On foot of the announcement by the Cabinet earlier on the plans to introduce a living wage to replace the minimum wage, I propose that we would have a debate in this House on two issues, the first of which would be a debate on the world of work and what it means in 2022. In such a debate, it is important that we recognise that our world has changed. Fundamentally, there needs to be a voice within this Chamber, in the Houses of the Oireachtas and within the Government, for those in the workforce who get up early in the morning and those who work late at night. We must make work pay. Whether that is through a combination of the living wage, tax breaks, childcare or whatever, there is an incumbency on us to ensure that the world of work pays and that those who go out to work are able to live in a comfortable manner. I hope that debate will take place in advance of the budget.

My second request, even though we do not have a direct say as a House in the budget, is that as we are now in the pre-budget submission season, it is important that we as a House debate the framework of the budget and what we would like to see as part of the budget in October of this year. I hope that the Leader will facilitate those requests.

Today is a very sad day. A man who was a tremendous public representative for 55 years has passed to his eternal reward. He was a man who loved life, who loved people and who believed in the decency of everybody. He changed his views on many social issues and was very supportive of many of us. Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a anam dilís.