Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I share the Senator's concerns when I see some of the phrases used but the bottom line is that I personally will be supporting what she is saying. I will go back to the senior Minister on this. I am filling in this morning for the senior Minister because I feel very strongly that many of the organisations do a fantastic job. I believe the decision will be issued before Christmas 2016 but I will have to confirm that for the Senator.

People need to know, and the Senator probably knows this, that in the region of 3,000 people are in supported employment under the programme in approximately 400 not-for-profit companies and co-operatives. Funding of €45 million has been provided for the programme in 2016. This will maintain the current level of activity. It is important to know that Pobal is contracted by the Department to take financial and contract management from the CSP.

On the minimum wage, employees should be paid a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. I strongly support that principle. In the long term, we need to move towards a living wage. Within organisations and companies, this needs to be addressed and a balance needs to be struck.

I will raise with the senior Minister the issues raised by the Senator today. I will then revert to her with a more detailed response, particularly on dates and timelines.