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

The Minister of State read the same speech twice. The Official Report will confirm what I have said.

The aim of our motion was simple, that is, to stand up for ordinary low-paid workers. They are hard-working people who struggle to get by month-to-month. Sinn Féin is proud to stand up for these people and will continue to fight for better pay and conditions for workers. I cannot accept the Government's arguments that this is not about Brexit. This was a political choice, and the wrong choice at that. Earlier today the Taoiseach told the Dáil that the change would come in January, but the Government's amendment states that the Government decided that a decision on the date of implementation would be made when the outcome of Brexit negotiations become clear. Which is it? It is very vague; both statements cannot be true.

As I said at the start of the debate, legal protections already exist to support businesses which find themselves in difficult financial situations, and this will be the case in a no-deal Brexit scenario. Job losses and business closures are a total red herring. Section 41 of the Minimum Wage Act 2000 provides legal protection for businesses. The Minister of State should familiarise himself with the legislation and the protection it provides. Of course, Fine Gael found the cash needed to line the pockets of very wealthy executives with the extension of the special assignee relief programme, SARP, because when it comes to the wealthy it is always there for them.

Fianna Fáil Deputies have unfortunately left the building. Their opposition to our motion is very unfortunate and their amendment is confusing. Their contributions were pathetic. They clearly did not read the motion. I am confused as to why they think workers in the public service deserve a living wage but those in the private sector do not. Why would they differentiate between workers? Rent is not cheaper for those working in the private sector compared to the public sector. It is a bizarre approach.

Two weeks ago, in classic Fianna Fáil fashion, Deputy Eugene Murphy hosted a SIPTU briefing in the AV room calling for a living wage for early years educators. In its amendment to the motion, Fianna Fáil called for a living wage to be referred to the Low Pay Commission. Did it mention this policy shift to Big Start and SIPTU or is it hoping they will not hear about it at all? That sort of Fianna Fáil politics needs to be called out. I am glad it had the opportunity to put its money where its mouth is and let low paid workers know it does not represent their interests. We will not support the Fianna Fáil amendment.

On the points made by the Labour Party and Solidarity, I am glad to hear their support for the living wage. It is important this motion gets as much support as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot accept the Labour Party's amendment. We do not intend to undermine the Low Pay Commission. In our vision for introducing a living wage the Low Pay Commission will continue in its current form and will continue to set the minimum wage which would remain the absolute floor for those businesses granted an exemption. However, I am not confident that the living wage can be achieved under the current Low Pay Commission. We believe direct Government action is needed to increase wages for those on low pay and remove them from the threat of living at the risk of poverty.

Such is the urgency of the matter that we believe direct Government action is the best approach. In terms of Solidarity's point, we support the work of the living wage technical group and the rate it has calculated of €12.30 per hour for the time being.

In her contribution the Minister, Deputy Doherty, made a long speech, quite a bit of which was copied by the Minister of State, Deputy Breen, but left out one line at the end of her script. It stated that, "Unlike Fianna Fáil we are not reckless in our approach and won't be creating a situation where we have to actually cut the minimum wage as they previously did". I wonder why she left that line out.

Low paid workers have waited long enough to be given a break. It is not acceptable that workers in 2019 are living hand-to-mouth from month-to-month and this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The current minimum wage is not fit for purpose and we need a living wage across the island. In government Sinn Féin would deliver a living wage for all workers.

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