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

I am in a Department where we have to balance the rights of employers and protect employees. I have to protect the rights of consumers and balance that with the rights of businesses. We have to be in a very strong position to protect all those across our economy. I would say, demonstrate by evidence. This Government has shown huge evidence. We have been a reforming Government, in line with protecting employees right across our economy. Very significant changes and reforms have been made and we will take advice from the Low Pay Commission. That is the mechanism put in place to advise me in July in relation to the continuation of the trajectory and how much of an increase should be brought forward. We will consider the advice and take it very seriously. The Government, so far, has always accepted the recommendation from the Low Pay Commission. It is best to work through that mechanism. I will always say our commitment can be demonstrated by our actions. The rate of inflation has halved since November 2022, down to 4.1%. This shows that the policies are working. Two budgets prior to 2024, we put €12 billion into our economy protecting workers businesses, workers and the most vulnerable. Sustainable policies enable the Government to do just that.

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