Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While it is appreciated that the Low Pay Commission is considering this, it was asked to do so on 15 April 2021, some 357 days, or a week short of a year, ago. People working in shops, hospitals, supermarkets, the public and private sector on below the living wage are waiting on the report. We need to deliver a living wage for people. The crisis caused by the rising cost of living is affecting people. A living wage needs to be delivered on. There is a dire need for urgency on this matter. The Government keeps pointing out that it cannot solve the cost of living crisis, but what is it doing to prioritise the living wage? Ensuring workers are paid a living wage is something that should be done, and could be done. Last week, Mandate called for all retail staff to be paid a living wage from entry. Does the Government support this call?

See this speech in context