Laura Harmon (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Leader of the House, Senator Kyne. I look forward to working with everyone.

I thank the people who supported me in getting to this position, particularly the people in Cork South-Central. I have had three elections this year. I put on record my thanks to my parents, Mary and Ted, my four younger sisters, Michelle, Andrea, Rachel and Celine, and my campaign manager, George Cummins.

I want to touch on three issues. I, personally, and the Labour Party are opposed to the proposed privatisation of Bord na Móna Recycling. We support the calls from SIPTU that there should be discussion on the issue. I call for a discussion with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, on this. We have deep concerns about workers' rights and the fact they were not consulted or updated as part of the strategic review that was undertaken internally in Bord na Móna Recycling. To my knowledge, this was not included in any party manifesto during the recent general election, nor is it in the programme for Government. We should discuss this.

I am deeply concerned about the proposed restructuring at BIMM music college, which is funded by TU Dublin. The fact that many of the lecturers may lose their positions, be put on reduced hours or be at risk of precarious work is very concerning. It is great to see they are being supported by their union, the Irish Federation of University Teachers, and the students within the college. BIMM has produced some of the best bands in the country, if not the world. This is something we should value. I am very concerned about this race to the bottom in further and higher education in how staff in the sector are being treated. I would welcome a debate with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the issue.

I raise the issue of public transport in Cork and in Cork city, in particular. Public transport in Cork needs to be improved. Public confidence in the bus service in Cork is at an all-time low because of the unreliability of the service. We have been waiting too long for a light rail service in Cork. Compared with Dublin, Cork is very much forgotten when it comes to public transport.