Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I am asking this question at a time of rising unemployment. As the Minister of State knows, between 600 and 700 jobs are being lost in this country every day. More than 150,000 people have lost their jobs since the Tánaiste, Deputy Coughlan, became Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is reasonably estimated that at least 500,000 people will be on the dole by the end of the year. I believe employers and employees need certainty. In recent weeks, the Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs has suggested that the minimum wage might be reduced. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called for an increase of up to €1 in the minimum wage. We need clear direction and certainty from the Government. Employees need to know that the minimum wage, which is extremely low, will not be cut. Employers need to have certainty about their labour costs for the next two or three years. It is important, regardless of the Labour Court's recommendations, for Ministers to clearly state that the minimum wage will neither increase nor decrease over the next two years. That would give employees and employers the certainty they need, regardless of the recommendation that is made.

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