Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I do not accept it is inappropriate for the Minister of State to divulge Government policy to this House. Does he not accept he has a duty to keep the House informed about Government thinking on matters? Does he further accept we have lost sufficient authority in the House to mechanisms that have worked well for the economy but have impacted on our democratic accountability processes?

What exactly is his view regarding IBEC's contention that, as I see referenced in its initial statements, not one extra cent should go to the low waged? Is it Government policy that there should be a focus on low pay and that the balance of any increase in wages should be received by those on the minimum wage or those in receipt of the lowest wages in the State? Is that Government thinking and what is the Government perspective in regard to these talks?

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