We know that inflation will likely reach the 10% mark this year. That is an extraordinary and alarming figure. We know that already the cost-of-living crisis is biting hard on so many households, families, and individuals across the country. In the face of this, the Government has only committed to an increase in the minimum wage to bring it to €11.30 per hour, amounting to an inadequate response. There has been a real cut in wages for the lowest paid in our society and, furthermore, people will have to wait six months before they see any increase in the money in their pockets. My colleague, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, raised this issue with the Tánaiste this morning. The Labour Party wants to see a meaningful increase in the minimum wage. We want it brought to the living wage of €12.90 per hour. We want that ambitious and radical measure taken by the Government, because we believe Ireland needs a pay rise. We want to see people having more money in their pockets to enable them to meet the scary increase in the cost of living that is frightening so many families and individuals as we face into this bleak winter. Will the Tánaiste commit to a meaningful increase in the minimum wage?

Yesterday, the Government accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to increase the minimum wage by 80 cent per hour, to €11.30 per hour. It will not take six months for people to experience it. It will kick-in in January. Most people who are paid the minimum wage are not paid monthly but are paid weekly or biweekly. Therefore, people will see the increase much quicker than in six months' time. It works out as an increase of €30 per week for someone working full time, or €1,660 per year. It is the biggest increase agreed by any Government. No Labour Party Minister ever signed off on an increase greater than that-----

There was not 10% inflation.

-----but I accept that it is occurring at a time of very high inflation. It is an increase of 7.6% at a time when inflation is close to 9%.

And rising.

Therefore, it is not the final answer with regard to the work we will do to help people on low pay. People will see further action taken in the budget on tax, welfare and helping with their bills.

This will bring them to a point where we are fully protecting them from inflation.