Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We can set a new order for that sector as soon as January. It was six months in previously. I encourage employers and employees to get around the table and start working towards that. These SEOs are done with the full co-operation of employers and employees and their representative bodies. Both sides come to the table and work out something and these work very well in the large majority of cases. There is always the option for parties to take legal challenges and we have to respect that and we have to respect their motivations. The Deputy might say it is greed but it is not always that. We must respect that it is their democratic entitlement and there is no point in dismissing it.

The Deputy mentioned the SEO that was knocked down this week. We will look to get a new SEO in place for that sector as quickly as possible and in a robust manner.

I return to my original point that the State is strongly supportive of these SEOs. They work well for workers and employers alike and we will continue to facilitate their progressive movement being reflective of any increases in the minimum wage or otherwise.

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