Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am prepared to give the Minister the benefit of the doubt in this regard on the basis that it has the potential to encourage new jobs, albeit at lower rates of pay. I hope it will encourage people off State assistance etc. Bearing in mind what has been said by other contributors before lunch, should the fears of these speakers materialise or if hard evidence crystalises, how does the Minister envisage the Department responding? Is she happy in the knowledge that existing employment law, for example, will safeguard the Minister and the State against malpractice by employers who may seek to take advantage of the figure of €356, down from €390 or thereabouts. There would be a PRSI and wage saving, which would have a detrimental effect on employees and those whom we strive to assist in that regard.

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