Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

The minimum wage will be reduced by €1 to €7.65. I want to be absolutely certain that the effect of this reduction will be monitored. As I am not completely convinced by the argument that reducing the minimum wage will lead to increased employment, I want to see evidence of the impact of the decision. Reducing the minimum wage will bring it closer to the money one would receive from social welfare allowances. It will not be worthwhile for the primary earner in a family with two children to seek work rather than stay on social welfare.