Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. In the summer economic statement, the Government has given a commitment to increase the minium wage to €10.50 per hour over a five-year period. How does one get from the current minimum wage rate of €9.15 per hour to €10.50 over five years with a ten cent increase? The answer is that it is impossible to do that. On the other hand, if the Government is making statements about the projected increase in the minimum wage over a five-year period, then what is the function of the Low Pay Commission? If the Government is going to set the rate, there is no need for a commission. Therefore, what is the role of the commission?

Yesterday's recommendation is an insult to workers. It is a disgrace that a commission which costs the taxpayer almost €0.5 million would propose a ten cent increase to minimum wage for low paid workers. More than 70,000 people in the State depend on the minimum wage. The living wage is €11.50 per hour. At this rate, it will take 23 years for a minimum wage worker to achieve a basic living standard. Combined with the Government's deferral of addressing the situation of zero-hour and low-hour contracts this month, this recommendation tells us two things, namely, that the Low Pay Commission is not fit for purpose and that the Government has no interest in tackling low pay, poverty and inequality.

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