Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, the Social Democrats put forward a real solution to increase the finance available to build affordable homes. I hope the Taoiseach will look at that seriously. Not content with creating a new €430,000 post for the housing czar, this Government now wants to increase pay for senior executives in semi-State organisations. Yesterday, the Minister, Deputy Chambers, announced plans to change rules, which will see salaries soar. The heads of 30 semi-State bodies, from Horse Racing Ireland to RTÉ, are now potentially in line for massive increases. This is despite the fact that these CEOs received a combined €75 million in pay and perks over ten years, according to Village magazine.

Strangely, even though I carefully studied the Minister's statement yesterday, I did not see any reference to economic headwinds, tariffs or global volatility. When it comes to gold-plated salaries for those at the top, it seems these concerns are not worth mentioning. Compare that with how people on low pay are treated and the Government's shameful decision to postpone the introduction of a living wage. Improvement in sick leave for ordinary workers has also been put on the chopping block. In a triple whammy, plans to introduce pension auto-enrolment have also been kicked down the road yet again.

While all across the county people are struggling to make ends meet, keep their homes heated, rent paid and bills from piling up, this Government has mounted a despicable attack on low-paid workers. People should be able to live a full and dignified life and not just scrape by day to day. How can someone on the minimum wage afford housing costs that are more than double the EU average? How can they afford bills that have increased by 80% since Russian invaded Ukraine? How are they supposed to put food on the table when prices for goods and services are 42% higher than in other European countries? The cost of living is skyrocketing and the Government expects people to get by on €13.50 an hour. Why does this Government believe those at the top deserve bumper salary increases while low-paid workers are thrown under the bus? How can the Government justify this to low-paid workers struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table?

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