Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is well aware of the challenges this country faced and he was instrumental in ensuring we moved forward on the right path to ensure the economic recovery. The last report from the commission made several points on concerns about remaining competitive, the fragile recovery and the impact on Border areas and SMEs. The commission has commenced work on its third report regarding the appropriate rate for the national minimum wage. As part of the public consultation aspect of this process, it is looking for submissions before 9 February and it will submit its third report by 18 July 2017. The Minister will have heard what the Deputy said and this will be part of the Government's consideration of precisely what rate we can move forward with.

It is clear that in a post-Brexit situation, where there are many challenges and where the country has to remain competitive if we are to continue to create jobs, this kind of decision has to get full consideration. I reiterate that it is crucial for us to ensure we continue on the path of economic recovery on which we have started.

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