Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste has made it clear that over the past 18 months we in the Department have been very committed to improving the terms and conditions of all workers in this country, and have backed that up with legislation and changes. I understand that in most cases Sinn Féin supports that, and rightly so. We are leading with action. Likewise, the report of the Low Pay Commission on a living wage is on our desks and we can act on it in the weeks and months ahead.

To be very clear, work should always pay and we are very much committed to developing the standard and conditions of work, the employment legislation behind that and the ability to upskill and be able to guarantee jobs in the future. There has been a lot of investment through the education system, including Pathways to Work, our Department and the business community to develop and create long-term sustainable jobs that pay well.

Reference was made to the retail sector. Many in that sector are already paying above an estimated living wage, which is a positive development. Others are not doing so and we will continue to work with them on that. It is a major sector for employment that we are happy to work with and develop as it offers opportunities for sustainable careers.

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