Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)

It is an over and back exchange. That is the nature of the format. The Minister said the rate would not be changed until 2029 or he would consider it at that stage. I ask him to clarify that. It is incredible. We introduced a Bill to get rid of this legalised superexploitation of young people in 2022, which was passed on Second Stage. It would have gotten rid of the rate in 2023, with a timed amendment. The Government said at the time that it had to wait for a report from the Low Pay Commission. The report came out in 2024 and was absolutely clear and unanimous that the Government should get rid of the superexploitation.

At that stage, I remember at a committee meeting the Government said it would produce an economic impact report. Last September, the committee was told it would take six to nine months, but there is still no sign of the new economic impact report. The Government is kicking the can down the road. The Minister is now saying that this will now be changed in 2029, and will not even give a commitment to do it. A 19-year-old cannot pay 90% of their rent to their landlord. An 18-year-old cannot pay 80% of their grocery bill. A 17-year-old cannot pay 70% of the price of petrol. It is scandalous.

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