Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take the Deputy's point but I have to bear in mind other impacts such as the cost on small businesses. All of the employer representatives favoured the 80 cent increase. That is not to say that all employer organisations do by any means. Many have been very critical of the increase yesterday. All of the independent and academic members favoured the increase, as well as one of the workers' representatives. I always have to bear in mind that I do not want to increase the minimum wage to the point where businesses cannot survive any more and are forced to lay off staff or cut hours. I do not think that will happen with an 80 cent increase by the way. I think we will see a further increase in employment next year but it is something we have to bear in mind. That is why the recommendation is for a four-year introduction period. It can be quicker, I am certainly not ruling that out, but that will depend on economic circumstances. I do not think anybody would say that wages should just go up or down regardless of what may be happening in the wider economy or the wider world. We need some flexibility in that regard.

See this speech in context