Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

The Minister has said on a number of occasions that he will protect those at the lower end of the scale by increasing the national minimum wage. He, therefore, regards the two issues as inextricably linked. The programme for Government states independent chairpersons will be appointed to these committees. Does the Minister not regard the current chairpersons to be acting independently?

With regard to his promise, which I welcome, to publish the Duffy report, will he undertake to do so before he refers to it to EU and IMF officials?

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