Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To be clear, my intention is to look at the Low Pay Commission recommendations and do exactly what it said in terms of analysing them and looking at consequences, including unintended consequences. As I said, I do not want a situation whereby we have an unintended consequence of a change to people's working hours.

Deputy Boyd Barrett has alleged that some industries are disproportionately dependent on student workers. I do not believe this is the case. If he can show me evidence to the contrary, he should please do so. Student workers may work full-time during their summer breaks, but most of the year they work part-time. Only one quarter of those under the age of 19 who can legally be paid the sub-minimum rates, and I will just clarify that it is legal here in Ireland, are actually paid those rates. That means that 75% of those who are legally able to be paid that rate are not paid it. Rather, they are paid the national minimum wage or above.

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