Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats)

This week we will celebrate May Day and, as we all know, 1 May is International Workers' Day. In this context, the recent decision by the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and the Government to row back on the commitment to a living wage for all workers is particularly disappointing. This is not just a policy shift but a real message to workers that they do not matter to this Government.

A recent poll conducted by the Business Post revealed that 63% of people in Ireland reported having little to no disposable income due to the escalating cost-of-living crisis. We all know that energy bills, food costs and travel costs are going up. The cost of everything is increasing almost weekly, it seems. The cost of living is having an impact on people's lives and many people simply cannot keep up. Why are workers having to do without? Who is this Government prioritising? Why is it not prioritising the workers?These are not just statistics; they represent real people. They represent teachers, healthcare workers, retail and hospitality staff and countless others who are struggling to meet the bills and make ends meet. Sometimes they are working full time or have second or third jobs. I am sure anyone canvassing during the general election met people like these on the doors who are really struggling to keep their heads above water. The imbalance between those who have and those who do not have in this country is getting wider and more pronounced. I believed that the introduction of a living wage was going to be a step towards rectifying this imbalance. It was a recognition that work should provide not just a sense of purpose but the means to live with dignity. This is why I am really disappointed that the Government has chosen not to pursue the living wage as early as it previously committed to. When workers are paid fairly, they have more disposable income, which stimulates our local economies and reduces reliance on social welfare transfers, so it is a policy that benefits not just individuals but society. Upholding the promise of a living wage is not just a financial decision. It is a moral imperative. It says that we are committed to respecting workers and recognise the financial pressures ordinary families live under so I urge the Government to reconsider its position on this and I would welcome a debate on it in this Chamber.