Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and I have to respect Dr. Donal de Buitléir, an eminent academic, who has done great work down through the years. The aim of the minimum wage is to have an incentive to work, which is extremely important. A rate has to be set that is fair and sustainable to help as many people as possible without having a significant effect on the economy or a negative effect on employment. That is where the commission is coming from. It is made up of nine people, three representing the unions, three from the employers sector and three academics with expertise in the area. We must support their independence. They have made this decision based on what is fair and sustainable. It is now up to the Government.

I am sure the Deputy has seen the report. They have three months to read it and decide one way or another. It is not up to me or anyone in the Department to make a decision on that at this stage.

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