John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their attendance. They definitely are preaching to the converted in respect of some members and particularly in my case. However, the reality is that another group of witnesses are coming before the joint committee who, I can pretty much guess will have a different point of view on the subject than would the witnesses or I. In some cases, I could bet a week's wages on that. Some of them will suggest there is no need for a minimum wage or it is too high and one should be able to put a price on labour, depending on who is the person. Comments like that have been made recently by some of those who may not be attending later today but who have appeared before the joint committee on a similar issue pertaining to low pay. Some business representative groups believe it is the job of business to create wealth, for taxes to be paid on that and then for the Government to distribute wealth. This is the reality of what Members face as legislators from others who perceive the world of work, workers and the dignity of workers very differently from the witnesses or I. What would the witnesses say to some of those people who will appear before the committee later today and who possess such values and do not believe a minimum wage is needed? They believe people should be paid what they are worth, I am putting politely the comments made, and essentially, that it is up to the Government, not business, to redistribute wealth. This is the reality as far as some people who will be appearing before the committee later today are concerned.