Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am a bit shocked that Deputy Dooley seems to be so resoundingly in favour of the caution expressed by the Department of Finance about improving the minimum wage. I know Fianna Fáil reduced the minimum wage previously but I thought it might have changed its policy to recognise that as the economy progressed, low-paid workers should be in a position to benefit. That is why I have championed it. The proposal for the low pay commission originated from my involvement in the election campaign for the leadership of the Labour Party.

See this speech in context