David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 55 increases the fine to €20,000. We are clearly following the British in this matter. The British have provided for a fine of £20,000, which is considerably more than €20,000. I do not see any reason we should not follow that model when introducing fines. Failure to pay the national minimum wage entails significant costs for the State. It means the full taxes and social security on the proper wage are not paid and individuals who are paid less than the minimum wage may have claims for certain social welfare payments. The national minimum wage is not something that employers are not aware of. It is accepted that legitimate mistakes will be made at times. An employer may rectify a complaint quickly where there is a small under payment but it is an entirely different matter to defend cases on the basis that the national minimum wage was paid only for it to subsequently transpire that it was not paid. It appears to me that a substantial fine is in order in such a situation. I see no reason we should not follow the United Kingdom in this. My amendment would actually institute a fine that is considerably lower than in the UK because of the sterling differential. I see no reason the Minister cannot accept this amendment.