John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the legislation promised to facilitate continued support of the Pobal-funded network of social economy projects, the increase in the minimum wage will have a significant impact on the ability of Pobal projects to pay staff. There is no increase in the wage grant for projects funded by Pobal. I raised this matter in a parliamentary question but the reply I received stated that staffing matters are an issue for the social economy projects and have no direct impact on Pobal. Either the Department misunderstood the question or it showed a blatant disregard for the problem I am trying to solve. This issue falls within the remit of the new Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan. I ask that it be addressed in the context of projects across the country. Otherwise, many of these beneficial projects will be put out of business.

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