Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

The Minister stated it is not part of the Government's proposal to reduce pay rates in the relevant sectors. Does he not accept that if his proposals are accepted, wage reductions will be inevitable across these sectors? I have read the Duffy-Walsh report in detail and it clearly concludes there is only a marginal difference in wage rates between those employed in the JLC sector and comparable employments. For example, the chapter dealing with nominal wage rigidity and so forth does not suggest there is anything exceptional about the JLC sector that is giving rise to job losses or preventing employers from taking on more staff. This section of the report is detailed. Does the Minister hold to his statement at the weekend that current employees will not be affected by the proposals, which will affect only those who are recruited after they become law?

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