Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is time that we commence the wider debate, and I welcome the Deputy's question for doing so. For the past five years, we have been dealing with the problems of a failed economy. It has just turned and we are beginning to deal with the problems of an economy that is growing and successful again. One such problem is wage demands and wage pressure, which are just beginning to start. We must re-examine what type of model best suits this country, small as it is, in delivering extra income to households. A part of that model involves wages, but all we can afford at this moment is the debate. We are not in a position to deliver with hard cash yet. I do not share some people's position that increased pay is bad. If a company or the State can afford it, increased pay is good and economic benefits run from it. The Deputy has commenced the debate and it is something to which we will return several times.

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