Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thought the Members would be in much better form today, but nevertheless I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and I join other colleagues across the Chamber in acknowledging and thanking staff across the Oireachtas for everything they do for us throughout the term of the sitting. They keep us right, safe, fed and watered and do a great job, and we are very thankful to them. This is the case as we emerge from the very difficult circumstances of Covid-19 and all the burdens that placed on them.

I fully endorse what Senator Ruane said about our secretarial assistants. Regardless of anything else, we can come in here and argue about politics, which is only right and proper, but we can all agree that people are facing a cost-of-living crisis and that many people are having a really difficult time, and are stretched.In spite of all the fantastic work that secretarial assistants do to support each and every one of us, the reality is that they earn less than the living wage. Many of them, even if they do not live in Dublin, spend a huge amount of their time in Dublin and struggle to survive on such pay. We, as a House, are united in the belief that we need to resolve this issue. We should feel unabashed and unashamed for trying to fix this situation for these workers who give such a good service to us, these institutions and, indeed, political life.

I will not debate the Private Members' motion now and simply urge colleagues across the House to support this motion, which was put forward by my colleague, Senator Warfield, who is a member of the Sinn Féin group. The motion concerns the nighttime economy and night life while recognising that both of them are about much more than alcohol. They are about stimulating creativity, supporting communities, and developing cultural spaces and creative opportunities. We have a job of work to do to support this sector through the cost-of-living crisis, provide support and keep safe the workers in that sector and industries, and continue our culture, arts and language for which Ireland is known for throughout the world. We can do much better so I urge Senators to support the motion.