Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste and urge him to read the report. Strong as the economic data might be, this report reflects the fact we are not sharing prosperity. In fact, for 100,000 people at work, the prosperity train has not checked in at all. They still struggle, as I set out, not for ostentatious things, luxuries or extras but for the basics - a new pair of shoes for their child, a warm winter coat and the ability to make their rent, mortgage or household bills without constantly worrying.

I know new jobs have been created and welcome the fact that there is more work in the economy. I want to see people having the dignity and opportunity that work should afford. However, that can only happen when work is secure and when it is remunerated at an appropriate level. To applaud the minimum wage as though that were reaching some high-water level in the economy is not on.

We all know that what is needed is a living wage that allows workers and their families to live decently and without a constant sense of worry. I put it to the Tánaiste again that it is a living wage that his Government must introduce.

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