Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. Certainly, it is a more nuanced issue than he is suggesting. It is really important that our Department compiles the economic impact assessment which will provide more up-to-date data. The previous Low Pay Commission and ESRI reports on the use of subminimum rates were back in 2022. We want to independently evaluate the economic impact. We also want to model the impact on making the changes to the youth rates on firms of different sizes and in different sectors, such as accommodation, hospitality and retail, and also within the regions. We also want to examine any potential unintended impact from making changes, such as an increase in unemployment of youth workers and also the possibility of young people exiting formal education in favour of entering the workforce. It is complex. It has been referred to the issues we need to assess. We have made substantial support available and given a commitment to support workers. We have a very strong record of introducing new workers' rights and we have also seen the introduction of many measures relating to the minimum wage, requests for remote working and statutory sick leave, as well as tips and gratuities which was a recent progressive initiative undertaken by the Government.

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