Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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I thank our guests for attending and for their opening statement which is quite informative. I will preface my remarks by saying that I brought some data into the Dáil last week about CSO findings with respect to the average disposable income available in different regions of the country. The median spend of people in the south-east region - Waterford, which I represent, is a key economic driver in the region - was basically 40% behind the median spend of people on the east coast. I preface my remarks by saying I wonder how that is taken into account by the Low Pay Commission in terms of research.

I have a couple of questions. I am particularly concerned with small businesses and the challenges to small business. What impact assessment was carried out in terms of the national minimum wage cost for small service businesses as part of the analysis?