Mr. Gerry Light:

Again, I come from the perspective of six years' experience. We have always looked at this through the wider economic lens. It is always important to remind committees such as this, as we remind ourselves regularly, that there is ample consideration in the low pay legislation for any employer who cites inability to pay. They can go to the Labour Court and lay out their case and, as always, I presume the Labour Court will give a very fair and balanced consideration of their case. The broader perspective is looked at, and I am sure my colleagues now on the Low Pay Commission, and Mr. Courtney has said it himself this morning, look at the broader perspective. It is unfortunate that, at times, businesses will have to consider whether they are viable if they cannot afford a statutory minimum rate of pay. That is a consideration they must look at but, as I have said, for those businesses that look to the State to supplement low pay, I do not think that is a viable business model going forward.