Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I largely agree with everything the Senator said. When it was set as the income level in 2016, €4,500 was worth a different amount in real terms. The world has changed, including in the context of inflation and in terms of minimum wage changes.

This is a common-sense proposal the Senator is bringing forward but I often find common sense is not that common. It is important when we have a good idea that we recognise it and try to move on it.

I have yet to work through with my officials and with colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform the appropriate level at which to set it but it would have to be at least at a level that recognises the change in terms of the real value of €4,500 and what that would be today, and any minimum wage changes that have taken place.

I appreciate the urgency of doing this quickly and I am endeavouring to do so as quickly as possible. I thank the Senator again for his proposal.