Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the Cathaoirleach's remarks and extend my sympathy to the family of Paul Coghlan. It was a pleasure to work with him in the previous Seanad term from 2016.

The European institutions are working on a directive that will affect the rights of millions of platform workers, including those who drive for Uber and Deliveroo. Yesterday the European Council watered down initial proposals from the European Commission and the European Parliament that would potentially strip millions of workers of sick leave, holiday pay, parental leave and security of tenure. Ireland has the second-highest rate of platform workers in Europe. Millions of people are in bogus self-employment throughout the EU. To deny so many people basic rights is outrageous. Unfortunately it is no surprise that Ireland supported weakening the text. We need an Irish Government that will not dismantle the rights of workers and trade unions.We need a Sinn Féin Government to undo the policies that have increased in-work poverty and cemented the low-pay status quo, which incidentally has led to our firefighters taking industrial action today. I express my solidarity with those striking fire fighters.