Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the minimum wage, marriage equality and the housing regulation Bills. I respectfully suggest to the Taoiseach that it might be useful to have a debate before the Government makes up its mind so we can inform it of our view on all of these matters.

That would be a democratic way to proceed.

The Government has committed to establishing a body to examine the minimum wage Bill and related matters. Approximately 180,000 citizens are currently on the minimum legal wage, the grand sum of €8.65 per hour, or less if one is under 18 years of age. Will the Taoiseach give us a progress report on that issue please?

In regard to the marriage equality Bill, tá daoine ag fanacht agus tá sé riachtanach go mbeidh guth ag gach duine maidir leis an gceist tábhachtach seo. When can we expect this legislation and will the Government support the voter drive which is under way among the gay and lesbian community and others to ensure people are registered in time to vote? This Bill is to be introduced in the next term, with the heads of the Bill to be agreed by the Cabinet.

The housing regulation Bill was promised and is to provide a regulatory framework for approved housing bodies. This will be welcomed, given the housing problems being faced by citizens. Will the Bill address this problem and when can we expect it?

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