Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State very much for such a comprehensive answer. I think he would share my view that the message from this House is one of solidarity with those on the minimum wage and who have difficulties in their day to day lives. I listened closely to what the Minister of State said and commend the speed with which he took action on the Low Pay Commission shortly after his appointment. That is very important. I think every Member of this House would oppose zero-hour contracts.

I look forward to the legislation the Minister of State has had drafted on collective bargaining. In solidarity with those on the minimum wage and those whose pay is below that, it is important to recognise that, as law-makers, Members of this House have a special responsibility to support the sort of initiatives the Minister of State has taken and the new legislation that will come before the House because it will protect the most vulnerable in the workplace.

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