Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State's comment that the increase forms part of the jobs initiative package implies that it is a mechanism to generate jobs. What the Government has done in restoring the minimum wage to its previous level is place an obstacle in the way of creating jobs. I could bring the Minister of State to people in any part of my county, as could the Fine Gael Party finance spokesperson in the Seanad, whose businesses are failing as a result of the level of the minimum wage and rates set by the joint labour committees and so forth. He obviously does not speak to business people, given that he is shaking his head.

I admired the courage of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton. I hope there is a sufficient number of sensible individuals in the Government parties to bring to fruition that which needs to be done in this respect. If we do not restore competitiveness in the economy, there will be a drag on the economy and few gains in employment for the next decade.