Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators of all parties and none for their support for this initiative. Around this time last year, discussions first took place among the Tánaiste and I and a number of others in the Labour Party on how we could make an institutional change that would make a real difference to those on low pay. We have travelled something of a journey over the past few months in developing this initiative through the Bill. I record my thanks to officials in my Department for their support and advice on this important initiative which is about establishing a new institution in the State which has the capacity to outlive all of us even though we all hope to live to a ripe old age. I hope it becomes a permanent feature of the policy-making landscape in the State.

The Low Pay Commission will be all about making evidence-based recommendations to government using the best policy advice and information available to come to good decisions as to how to improve the lot of those on low pay. We do not want to see people on low pay; we want to see their conditions improve. I entered public life 16 or 17 years ago as a borough and county councillor to try to make a difference for working people, ensure we create decent, sustainable jobs and establish a good economic model that is fair and progressive. I am confident that the Low Pay Commission can contribute to enabling us to realise that ambition and vision for our society.

I thank Senators for their support for the Bill today. In particular, I thank Senator Katherine Zappone for her interest in the legislation. She was one of the first representatives in the Houses to contact me and she has shown a very keen interest in the development of the legislation. That interest was reflected in her amendments and comments on the ambitions of the Bill as well as her comments on the ambitions of the Low Pay Commission since the initiative was first announced approximately 11 months ago.