Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am very familiar indeed with the SEO system and the employment regulation order, ERO, system that gives effect to the decisions of joint labour committees and ministerial sign offs regarding statutory minimum rates of pay higher than the national minimum wage, which would apply, for example, to contract cleaners and security workers. There are, of course, ongoing attempts to undermine the security ERO, and there may be implications for State contracts in that regard.

Regarding the living wage, it is now a voluntary matter, while the statutory minimum wage is the statutory minimum wage. We would all prefer, certainly those of us on this side of the House, for there to be greater movement towards the living wage and a central focus from the Government in respect of improving people's pay and terms and conditions through the public procurement process. The Government has signed up to the idea of a living wage and it would be a good idea, notwithstanding the fact it does not have legal status now, for the Government to promote the idea of a living wage with those benefiting from the largesse of the State in the context of the procurement process.

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