Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in welcoming Dr. de Buitléir and wishing him well in his new and challenging role. It is obvious to me, having looked at his CV and his career to date, that he has been involved in many very interesting projects. I am sure he has had to address some very challenging issues. What does he consider to be the greatest challenge he faces in his new role as chair of the Low Pay Commission? He has indicated that he intends to consult widely as part of this whole process. Does he propose to meet his UK counterpart to see how the UK authorities are faring? That should be of particular interest, given that the UK minimum rate of pay applies on part of this island. Dr. de Buitléir mentioned that in addition to looking at low pay, the commission will look at issues like hours of work and hours available to work. Is it likely that the commission will make recommendations about the minimum hours of work that companies should make available to employees? I am conscious that an ongoing dispute at a major company relates to the scheduling of hours of work.