Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I recognise where the Deputies are coming from and the spirit in which they propose the amendments. I am satisfied that we have a very strong balance on the Low Pay Commission. All of the members applied through the Public Appointments Service which is a system that works very well. I am satisfied that those who have an understanding of the interests of employers can reflect very well the experience of those operating in the SME sector, in particular the sector associated with the areas the commission will be examining in some detail. Similarly, those who have been selected through the process on the side of those with a deep interest and understanding of the interests of employees have spent a considerable amount of their working and professional lives representing the interests of low-paid workers in a very successful way. They are bringing something extremely important to the table in consideration of all of the issues the Low Pay Commission will tease out and examine. It is important to note that we had an open process to appoint the members of the commission whether from the perspective of the employer side, employee side, civil society and the independent academic representatives. There is no requirement to extend further the disciplines in terms of academia. There is sufficient expertise and knowledge there to do the job the Government has asked the commission to do and that the legislation insists it does. Accordingly, I cannot accept the amendments.

See this speech in context