Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Collins very much for her question. I obviously cannot comment on a specific WRC case or something that is subject to legal proceedings and I acknowledge, as the Deputy has said, that the case has been through the WRC and that there has been interaction between the worker and Cobh Heritage Centre. The Government is committed to supporting low-paid workers in our economy. That is why the national minimum wage will increase to €13.50 per hour from 1 January 2025, where an estimated 195,300 workers will directly benefit from this increase. The Government accepted the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission because of that. That demonstrates our wider commitment to progress a living wage in our economy. It is also important to acknowledge the wider footprint we have brought through on workers rights, not only on the national living wage but also on the introduction of a statutory sick pay entitlement for all workers in January 2023, which is making a difference to workers in the economy.

I am conscious, however, that the questions the Deputy has raised are specific to a particular worker and I obviously cannot comment here in the Dáil on any individual case and have to be careful in what I say in response to it. I will reflect on what the Deputy has said to the respective Ministers who have received correspondence on that. They will have to judge what is appropriate in any response, given what the case has been through and there are ongoing legal proceedings.

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