Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Section 4 sets out very clear objectives on a national minimum wage, which is designed to assist as many low-paid workers as is reasonably practicable, is set at a rate that is both fair and sustainable, is adjusted incrementally where adjustment is appropriate and over time is progressively increased, without creating any significant adverse consequences for employment or competitiveness. I have no hesitation in repeating what I said inside and outside these Houses, namely, that I want to see a national minimum wage that is progressively increased over time and where the economic circumstances, the requirements of job creation and the social conditions and needs converge to allow that to happen. I want to see better working conditions for people. I have said that time and again. I want to see improved pay, particularly for low-paid workers. The Low Pay Commission really can transform the institutional framework to allow that to happen. This is one of the most significant developments for low-paid people from a public policy perspective in many years. The objective of ensuring that workers are entitled to just and favourable remuneration is clearly built into the criteria that will guide the commission on making a recommendation to me on an annual basis on the appropriate level of the minimum wage. Therefore, I cannot accept the amendment.