Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

I fully support the spirit and the principle of Deputy Penrose's amendment regarding those on the minimum wage. Many of the arguments being made by Deputy Burton and the Labour Party, and by Deputy Gogarty, concern the most vulnerable and the weakest section of our society who are effectively being crucified by this Government.

If there is a flaw in the amendment it is that it is trying to protect those who are on contract. The majority of people on the minimum wage are seasonal workers and the majority of them are employed in the hotel sector throughout the summer months. However, the majority of them are now out of contract. This is a cynical exercise because the Government is bringing in this measure knowing full well the majority of people on the minimum wage are not working now. They will be caught by it and will lose €1 an hour as of today.

Deputy Gogarty was obviously prompted by his conscience when he asked the Government to support Deputy Penrose's amendment. I believe one must be always guided by one's conscience and take a principled stand, if necessary, to protect one's conscience.

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