Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

As the minimum wage in the construction industry is €14.50, this measure will not have an impact. However, the catering industry will be affected.

We have had a good debate last night and today. Deputies Higgins and Ó Snodaigh should be complimented for being in the House. Only a handful of the 166 Members elected to the Dáil were present for the debate. At least we are prepared to debate even if we do not agree on everything. When it is over we will be able to agree we have had a good debate on the Bill and the Minister has made herself available to respond to our arguments. She should not criticise us for disagreeing. We are interested in debating the Bill but, unfortunately, there are not enough of us.

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