Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Barry, as ever, for his intervention. There are a couple of points I will address because, respectfully, I think he is cherry-picking much of what we are trying to do here this morning. Let us be fair; these are about minimum rates. This is not setting salaries within the construction sector; these are very basic and minimum rates. If he goes through the categories, professions and skills that are detailed in this, I challenge him to find any worker that is receiving solely the minimum rates. It is very important when you talk about a 5% increase in minimum rates, to also reflect that these rates are considerably higher. They are over €10 higher in most cases than the national minimum wage. When we look at salaries in this sector, it should be borne in mind that salaries within the construction sector are, on average, 5.5% greater than national salaries and they are 11.5% greater than private sector salaries. These are good jobs paying good salaries for good, much needed work. I note Deputy Barry's comments. I am unwilling to comment on hypotheticals but he talks about his belief that certain subcontractors will attempt to challenge the SEO and is correct to talk about the importance of organisation within labour but this was a fully consultative process taken out under statutory obligation. There was full support from the trade unions that engaged with this process for it. The trade union movement and the workers' representatives support this. This is good for employees and employers and it is good for our economy and our society. Crucially, it will help deliver more people to build the homes we so desperately need. We are in the middle of an acute housing crisis that needs support and that needs every possible measure to be taken. That means more people working in construction and it means removing barriers and bureaucracy and, indeed, rising costs in construction be they due to increased energy, materials, and so much else.

I have an obligation as Minister of State, to receive the recommendation of the Labour Court to move a motion without debate, which I did yesterday in the Dáil and to come before the relevant sectoral committee to lay out the rationale behind the order and to field questions where possible. Ultimately, I will bring it before the Seanad tomorrow where I presume Senator Ahearn will be talking to that, and indeed Senator Crowe who is online. That is my obligation. If the Deputy is of a mind to put down a Topical Issue debate on this, of course I will take it, but my obligations as set out and my requirements are quite clear and that is what I am here to meet.