The current minimum wage is Ireland is € 8.65 per hour – it should be abolished immediately as it is a deterrent to legitimate work and only promotes untaxed work in the black economy.

The minimum wage was introduced to protect employees on the assumption that all employers are intent on exploiting workers – this is patent nonsense and whereas there have been a handful of high profile cases where companies have legitimately used European legislation to legally employ people at rates below the established locally bargained pay rates, any decent employer will tell you that you pay for what you get - only monkeys work for peanuts!

The vast majority of employers understand that your team of employees is crucial to the success of your business – a happy camp is a productive camp - customers receive a better service and high morale lifts all boats even in difficult economic circumstances.

So why abolish the minimum wage?

a) It permits anyone from 16 years of age to work freely in the economy.

b) More employment opportunities will be created.

c) Revenue will collect additional taxes from employers and employees.

d) It allows employers to attract people on welfare back to work

e) It enhances competition.

f) It gives people working in the black economy a real choice to work legitimately

There are of course those who will argue that abolition of the minimum wage will promote the race to the bottom – this disingenuous assertion takes no account of the fact that everybody has a choice. Abolition of the minimum wage coupled with the inevitable harsh cuts that are coming down the tracks to the €20bn+ welfare budget will give young workers (the lifeblood of any economy) a greater chance to step on the employment ladder and give all in our society a better deal.