Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Low Pay Commission was established by a Government of which my own party was a member. This shows we are very committed to employees right across the economy. On an objective analysis, last night we voted for auto enrolment to ensure pension rights to those right across our economy. The most vulnerable will benefit. We also introduced sick pay on a statutory basis, which will also help those on the margins of society. If we look at any objective analysis, from 2015 the national minimum wage has increased by 46.8%. That really shows how much we value workers right across our economy. This Government has done a huge amount more in terms of protected leave and the right to remote working. The latter may not affect so many on lower wages, but we are doing everything we can to improve conditions for workers. We know that productivity, morale and retention of staff are key. That is coming across in the economy as well. Equally, we have to respond to the challenges faced by businesses. I will be doing that in the days and weeks ahead working on a package with my three colleagues.

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