Clare's Junior Minister says it's important that a balance is struck between wages in the hospitality sector and measures to support employers.
Pat Breen was responding to a proposal from Limerick Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan that the retention of 9% VAT rate for the sector be conditional on its engagement with the Labour Relations Commission on workers' pay.
Deputy Quinlivan pointed out that more than 50% of the 130,000 people working in accommodation and food services earn less than 400 euro a week.
Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen, says the issue of wages is being considered by the Low Pay Commission, which is due to report next month