Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Page 40 of the programme for Government contains a commitment to increase the minimum wage. We are approaching the end of the Government's term of office and the minimum wage stands at €9.80 per hour, a rate on which many workers cannot meet day-to-day costs such as rent, childcare and insurance. In government Sinn Féin will introduce a living wage, with appropriate transition supports for small and medium enterprises, SMEs. That would see workers earn enough to achieve an adequate standard of living. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment to introduce a living wage? If not, will he explain to workers why he thinks they should continue to work for the minimum wage, a rate on which many of them cannot afford basic essentials?

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