A new initiative is being launched that will see TDs around the country go on the minimum wage, so that they can get an accurate understanding of what the recession and unemployment is doing to their constituents.
Currently the minimum wage for an experienced adult worker is €8.65 per hour, but since most TDs have no experience working an honest job, they will be started on the lower rate of €6.92 instead.
They will also only get 4 weeks paid holidays and not 8, to come in line with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
Fantasy Land
TDs have finally decided to come down from fantasy land, with one member of the Dail commenting:
Well, after speaking with Peter Pan and the Tooth Fairy, we thought it was time to get back to some form of normality. I’m not saying we won’t be back there in the future, because we are working on a new time machine with Marty McFly, but for now, maybe it’s a good time to link in with real people, suffering real problems. That’s what Jesus told me to do anyway.
TDs had been earning a minimum of €92,000. On top of that, they were entitled to a range of expenses and travel and accommodation costs. With over 400,000 people on the live register, emigrants having to pay for their own flights to Australia and the average industrial wage being approximately €34,000 – many felt something just wasn’t right.
Jobs
Many TDs complained at the new move, saying that they wouldn’t be able to survive on the minimum wage and would struggle to support their family and may even have to get a second job.
Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Employment Richard Bruton commented:
How the hell am I meant to support myself and my family on the minimum wage? It’s ridiculous. I’m going to have to work a second job, but that’s hardly going to happen now is it, since there’s no jobs out there!
These complaints were welcomed by the public, who can finally start to relate and respect their local representatives.
Many people are now hopeful, that these struggling TDs and ministers, who are in positions of power, will actually bother to do something about the economic situation in the country. Their financial struggle should provide the motivation to create some real changes.
The new move to the minimum wage should see savings of over €5 million, which will be funnelled into healthcare services that had been adversely effected by the cuts.
So, do you think it’s a good idea for TDs and government ministers to go on the minimum wage? Let us know on our poll below!
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