Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

The question remains as to when the Government intends to do it. There is a pattern emerging here in that the Government is kicking every issue down the road. The Government parties had no such reservations when they went to the people and categorically assured them that the cut would be reversed. They did not refer to delays or consultations but gave a cast iron commitment which it must now honour. The Tánaiste stated that the matter has been referred to the Attorney General. How long will it take for that advice to be returned to Government? I suspect this is a stalling mechanism and that the real truth is that the Government is looking to the EU and IMF for permission to bring forward this matter. That is not good enough. The commitment has been made and must be honoured. I again ask that the Tánaiste provide the House with a precise time line within which the cut to the minimum wage will be reversed.

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