Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many of us have been fighting for a safety net, particularly for the self-employed. Those who decide to set up their own businesses are the real risk-takers in society. We do not have a safety net for them, which makes it difficult. We must look at an overall package. As Mr. Fielding has said clearly, it is not just about wages. The well-being and happiness of a society is also about the number of people working.

In the UK there is a tiered minimum wage system. Currently the rate in the UK is £6.50 and it drops down based on one's age. What would be the view of the witnesses on introducing that system here? It is appropriate across the UK, in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.