Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)

Most of us at this point would be familiar with the contractual issue affecting Oireachtas broadcasting workers. These workers are getting a fraction of the pay of similarly qualified workers elsewhere in the industry and are denied permanent contracts that would give them the rights they are due. At present, they are forced to find additional employment or rely on social welfare to make ends meet when the Dáil and Seanad are not sitting. They perform a vital service, making sure the public is informed of events in these Houses. It is well past time they were treated with dignity and respect. The Oireachtas has a multimillion euro contract with a private company to provide staffing for this service and, yet, its broadcasting employees are only paid, on average, €12,000 annually. Given that this contract is up for negotiation, I ask that this issue be brought to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission in order that a fair resolution can be agreed and the rights of these workers respected.

I also ask that the Minister for Justice come to the House in order that we can ask him if he is satisfied that proactive measures are being taken to identify any former Israel Defense Forces personnel who may have been involved in war crimes or genocide who are entering this State. I recognise that all Israeli citizens are required to serve in that country's military forces.Will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister to confirm whether background screening is taking place of Israeli citizens entering this jurisdiction, whether as tourists, on a work visa or in any other capacity, to ascertain whether they have been involved in any manner in war crimes? Government members regularly say how shocked they are by what is happening in Gaza. We need real action and this would make a difference in ensuring Israel faces consequences and the people involved in genocide and war crimes are held accountable.