Minimum wage should be government priority

Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin has accused the Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevey, of setting double standards - one for ordinary workers and one for TDs. O Caoláin said that no-one had consulted him about a reported claim for a £200 per week pay increase for TDs.

The Cavan/Monaghan TD said:

``On Monday, Minister McCreevey told workers to `temper your expectations' in the context of any new pay agreement. The next day he urged major pay increases for TDs. This came amid speculation that the Members Services Committee in Leinster House would be seeking a £200 per week pay rise on behalf of TDs. I want to make it absolutely clear that there has been no consultation by the Committee with this TD in relation to this supposed pay claim, and I wonder at the extent of consultation that may have taken place.

``Minister McCreevey is setting one standard for ordinary workers and another for TDs. Over two years have now passed since Fianna Fáil promised in their election manifesto to introduce the minimum hourly wage and they have done nothing. The government's pay priority should be the immediate introduction of a £5 per hour minimum wage. TDs are adequately remunerated and our efforts should be concentrated on ensuring that the growing wealth in the Irish economy is shared.''