Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I have already indicated, we did restore the minimum wage. People employed on a full-time basis on the minimum wage have substantially more than they get on the live register. As I said to Deputy Broughan, 90% of those obtaining employment now are in full-time positions. We are seeking to ensure that vulnerable workers will be protected by the restoration of REAs and JLCs, which were the traditional mechanisms for protecting workers. We will be reinstating those legislative provisions with a view to protecting those who would be vulnerable.

The payment of family income supplement has long been recognised as a justifiable intervention because it recognises that large families need additional support. Such payments are a good and progressive measure.

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