Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

To be fair to the Minister of State, it is important to acknowledge that NERA represents real progress. We do not yet have 90 inspectors but, given that there are approximately 79, we are at least approaching the target. When does the Minister of State believe we will reach it?

One may argue about whether the minimum wage is too high but the fact remains that it is set down in law, which law must be enforced. The main penalty for not paying the minimum wage is the payment of arrears. Should employers who do not pay the minimum wage not be fined and made pay through the nose? Such fines would be paid to the agency. If an employer skimps on €2 or €3 per hour, he should really be made pay when caught. The fine should be used to help fund the agency and pay for the inspectors.

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