Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Low Pay Commission is a very serious body which puts a lot of effort into the work it does, particularly on the minimum wage. It has regular meetings and is made up of nine people who are experts in their area. They represent businesses, workers and academics and they take their work seriously. I met Dr. de Buitléir last Tuesday and we went through the report which I am considering at the moment. In the report there is no explanation as to why so many women earn the minimum wage. Women are more likely to work part time than men. In some cases, it is partly by choice because it suits them to have flexible opportunities. I ask the Deputy to study the report. I have no problem consulting with him and talking to him about it. If he has some recommendations, we will take them on board. The Low Pay Commission has worked really hard on this report. It is not complete but it is the best it can do in the circumstances.

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