Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The old saying a fair day's pay for a fair day's work comes through in this Bill. It was the motto of the labour movement back in the 19th century. Here we are today still demanding it. I thank the Deputies who brought the Bill forward. I also acknowledge Senator Gavan for his work on this issue.

We fully support a minimum wage, but we are also calling for an hourly living wage. As we can see with the current cost-of-living crisis, this is more important than ever. Unfortunately, the minimum wage has become the starting wage for many and for young people, it is appalling that they do not even get that.

As Sinn Féin spokesperson on community development, I am constantly in contact with employees who work in community service programmes that are funded by the Government through its agencies. However, it is stated in the contracts that the State will not fund pay for these workers up to the minimum wage, let alone a living wage. While many projects and social enterprises strive to pay their staff a living wage, this obviously puts more pressure on them and many simply struggle just to get the pay up to the minimum wage. With regard to younger workers, the misconception and outdated belief that they should earn less because of less overheads is outdated and insulting in 2023. All our citizens, including young workers, struggle with the cost-of-living crisis. They pay their fair share of tax, PRSI and USC and, therefore, should be treated equally to their peers.

I urge the Government parties to not oppose this Bill. Do not, as the Government's late amendment tries to do, kick it down the road for 12 months, possibly to the other side of a general election when it will be delayed even further by more meetings, committees, studies and all of that if the Government gets back into office.

I also ask the Minister of State to ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development and Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, to look at the issue relating to the community services programme and bring the funding up to the minimum wage in order to allow these projects to use their profits to bring their employees up to a living wage.

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