Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

We need to get real. If the Labour Court follows the terms of the Act by taking into account issues like employment and competitiveness, the only conclusion it will be possible for the court to reach will be to recommend a major reduction in the minimum wage. We have been losing jobs by the second since our competitiveness fell off a cliff. That is where the economy is. If the Labour Court is faithful to the legislation in this area, the only proposal it will be possible for the court to make will be a savage cut in the minimum wage. That would be wrong and most inappropriate. We need the Government to govern, rather than to outsource its power to agencies, courts, bodies and the social partners. It should clarify its policy on the minimum wage. I suggest that its policy should be to provide for no increase or decrease in the minimum wage for at least two years.

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