Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Some weeks ago during Leaders' Questions I raised very serious concerns about the low-paid. I pointed out that 25% of employees, or 345,000 people in the labour force, were earning an hourly rate less than the living wage threshold of €11.45. A very significant number of these low-paid workers - 60% - are women. While the cut in the minimum wage has been reversed, the point I made then was that while everybody wanted to see people coming off the live register and moving into employment, that employment had to allow them to live in dignity. Otherwise, it is distorting the progress made on the live register. We have the irony of employed people struggling to pay bills and left with no disposable income when these bills are paid. This has a knock-on effect on the wider economy.

I come from a docklands community and, with many others, remember grandfathers and other relatives standing along the quay side every morning waiting to be offered a couple of hours work. Many of these men were paid in pubs along the quays. There are elements of that situation to be found in zero hour and low hour contracts. While they may suit some, for example, students and those who want seasonal work or flexible hours, the vast majority of employees need income certainty, particularly those with mortgages and rent to pay and those with families. There is absolutely no certainty with zero hour and low hour contracts. Equally, there is no doubt that they are being abused and taken advantage of by big companies. While some small companies or those starting off in business do need some leeway, the big companies are getting away with far more than they should in this regard.

I also raise the issue of temporary contracts and their continuous use in certain sectors. It is obvious that there are jobs available in these areas, but there is also the continuous use of temporary contracts, with few or no rights for workers. There are unintended consequences, with people on these contracts not wanting to take part in sports etc. because of a fear of accidents.

Ba mhaith liom aitheantas a thabhairt do Shinn Féin toisc go bhfuil deis againn na ceisteanna seo a phlé. I acknowledge the establishment of the Low Pay Commission. Before it reports, however, very vulnerable workers will continue to struggle. I am of the view that the contracts on which they find themselves are nasty remnants of the recession. If, as the Government states, the recession is over, then these contracts should be brought to an end as well.

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