Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the public gallery to please ensure mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. In session 1 we have consideration of the heads of the general scheme of the low pay commission (national minimum wage) Bill 2015. I would like to welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for business and employment, Deputy Gerald Nash, and officials from the Department, and thank them for coming here today to brief us on the general scheme of the Bill and outline the rationale for the provisions contained therein. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in any way to make him or her identifiable.