John V. Farrelly
Question:158 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the national minimum wage should be £4.40 per hour; the effect, if any, this would have on jobs and the economy; the amount this measure would actually cost the State if the minimum wage was set at £3.80 per hour and the Government were to increase the tax-free allowance for low paid workers from its present £77 per week to the equivalent that would bring it up to earnings of £4.40 per hour; his views on the role the Government has to play in bringing about a fair and equal level of pay for many thousands of workers employed in small industries throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11171/98]