Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I offer a warm welcome to all our guests. I appreciate them coming before the committee for this important topic.

I begin by declaring an interest. Mr. Courtney said: "There are those who will say that this increase is not enough in a time of high inflation and others will say this increase is too much." I am one of the former. I am a trade union member and have been a proud trade union activist for most of my life. That is my perspective. It is best to be clear and upfront about that.

Does Mr. Courtney accept Mandate's point that the recommendations of the past three years from the Low Pay Commission have effectively resulted in a pay cut for the lowest-paid workers in the State?