Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach knows, we have always acknowledged any steps forward on workers' rights. We are, however, concerned to guard against any rowing back of workers' rights. As the Taoiseach acknowledged, I have engaged extensively with small businesses in my own constituency and elsewhere. I am conscious that the Low Pay Commission is statutorily obliged to have regard to the impact of its recommendations on businesses. That is already built in so any attempt to review further or to build in some other review mechanism sounds like a political review.

We are conscious that 20% of workers in this country are trapped in low pay. We need to address that not just at national level but at EU level. I spoke earlier to mark the election of my good friend and Labour Party colleague Deputy Ó Ríordáin to the European Parliament. His election and the fact we now have an Irish MEP in the Socialists and Democrats group for the first time in a decade will make a difference. It matters when Labour Party activists are in the room at national level and European level. The minimum wage directive is, or can be, a real game-changer for those trapped in low pay.

It will mandate all member states to ensure a living wage by 2026. I am glad to hear the Taoiseach's commitment to move towards a living wage but I want to ask how he proposes to implement this directive. Will he adopt the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission?

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