4. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when subminimum pay rates for young workers will be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50574/25]

Sentiment score: -0.03

In the run-up to last year's general election, the Government promised to abolish subminimum wage rates for young workers. When will it do it? Will this turn into another broken promise to workers and young people, alongside a week's sick pay and the promise of a living wage?

Sentiment score: -0.04

Did I hear the Minister correctly? Did he say he will not do it until 2029? Is that what he said?

Sentiment score: 0.00

It is an over and back exchange. That is the nature of the format. The Minister said the rate would not be changed until 2029 or he would consider it at that stage. I ask him to clarify that. It is incredible. We introduced a Bill to get rid of this legalised superexploitation of young people in 2022, which was passed on Second Stage. It would have gotten rid of the rate in 2023, with a timed amendment. The Government said at the time that it had to wait for a report from the Low Pay Commission. The report came out in 2024 and was absolutely clear and unanimous that the Government should get rid of the superexploitation. At that stage, I remember at a committee meeting the Government said it would produce an economic impact report. Last September, the committee was told it would take six to nine months, but there is still no sign of the new economic impact report. The Government is kicking the can down the road. The Minister is now saying that this will now be changed in 2029, and will not even give a commitment to do it. A 19-year-old cannot pay 90% of their rent to their landlord. An 18-year-old cannot pay 80% of their grocery bill. A 17-year-old cannot pay 70% of the price of petrol. It is scandalous.

Sentiment score: -0.05

The Minister's bluster will not disguise what is a viciously anti-worker and anti-young person policy. The Minister is saying that 19-year-olds, 18-year-olds and 17-year-olds do not deserve to get the minimum wage - the inadequate minimum wage - in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. The Minister is saying that people who go to work and do the same work as the workers next door to them, who happen to be a little bit older, are not entitled to the minimum wage. Some 15,000 young people are affected by this. The Minister is telling them there is no chance of getting the minimum wage until 2029. That is scandalous. I will repeat the point. People who are 19 years of age cannot pay 90% of their rent. People who are 18 years of age cannot pay 80% of the grocery bill. People who are 17 years of age cannot pay 70% of the price of petrol. The Minister thinks it is okay for employers to superexploit young people by paying them less than the minimum wage. The Fine Gael agenda has been exposed. It is an absolutely disgusting policy.

Sentiment score: -0.14

This question is about subminimum rates.

Sentiment score: 0.00

If they cannot afford to pay the minimum wage, they should not be in business.

Sentiment score: 0.08