Eileen Flynn (Independent)

I second Senator Warfield’s proposed amendment. I also second Senator Black’s amendment. I am delighted to be a co-sponsor of that legislation. Senators are aware from our interactions with them that local councillors’ workload has increased greatly over time. This has been recognised in some respects by increasing the representational allowance in recent years, but Senator Black’s Bill would provide councillors good supports. Why not give county councillors basic workers’ rights and support on the ground? Many councillors work and live within their communities, so it is common sense that we support them.

Thankfully, the Traveller committee is today launching its final report of this Oireachtas term. It is a report on the inequality that Travellers endure in the justice system. I look forward to launching that report today. I hope that the new Oireachtas picks up on the important work that has been done over the past four and a half years with and for members of the Traveller community.

As other Senators have said, it has been a privilege for me to be here for the past four and a half years and to have had the opportunity to make good friends in this House and the Dáil and build up relationships with people. Most important, it has been a privilege to be a representative of the Traveller community and other ethnic minority groups.I think I have done a good job. If I am re-elected, I hope to continue that work.