Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

A report published this morning shows that the living wage rate has been increased by 40 cent, bringing it to €12.30. A living wage does not give people a disposable income but enables them to live comfortably without struggling, as opposed to the minimum wage, which we have legislated for here. The report goes into how different areas of the country struggle because of the cost of housing. It would take over 50% of a living wage in Dublin, 40% in other Irish cities and 30% in rural towns. It is usually calculated that housing should cost only one third of a wage, but the pressure is on in Dublin. A 40 cent increase per hour would also take in the projected increase in energy costs.The debate we need to have in this House with the Minister is about making progress on what would constitute a living wage and how we would implement it to allow people to afford this city and other cities throughout the country. Could the Leader ask the Minister to come and have that debate and allow people to live, not to struggle any more, and to have more ease in their minds about meeting their bills every month?