Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Murphy and Ms Buckley both mentioned the decision-making process should be evidence based. What evidence would they like included?

Mr. Fielding had an issue with the progressive increase and recommended it should be adjusted. Was the previous minimum wage reduced in 2009? It was only for a short period. What consequence did that initiative have for business? I have heard from people in the last government that lobbying took place at the time. It was speculated, at the start of the recession, that the initiative would save jobs and help keep businesses afloat. Things were going downhill. Is there evidence or information to back up the view that the reduction had an impact?