Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I am proud of the role the Government has played in improving the rights of employees. The Deputy spoke about rhetoric. Every decision he puts across to us is binary. He does not consider the potential impact such decisions would have on education pathways for young people and the unintended consequences. He does not consider training. He referred to 19-year-olds and 18-year-olds. I can tell him right now that 5% of 19-year-olds are on subminimum rates. That shows us the opportunity in our economy and the pathways currently available. Everything has to be taken in the round. I can demonstrate to the Deputy that there was a 12% increase in the minimum wage rate last year, ahead of wage growth and inflation. Subminimum rates also increased last year. We plan to continue the trajectory of improving conditions for workers. I also have a responsibility to make sure those jobs are there. A corner shop in a small village may be struggling with costs, but the Deputy wants to increase its wage costs to €17 per hour.

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