E/C.12/IRL/CO/3 minimum wage applies to all employees and ensures a decent living for workers and their families. Institutionalized forced labour — the Magdalene laundries 18. The Committee regrets the massive and systemic forced labour that occurred, with the patronage of the State, between 1922 and 1996, in the Magdalene laundries. While noting the State party’s apology to the survivors of those laundries and the establishment of an ex-gratia restorative justice scheme in 2013, it remains concerned that there has been no prompt, thorough and independent investigation into the allegations regarding the Magdalene laundries and that the survivors have not been given adequate remedies (art. 7). The Committee recommends that the State party conduct a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into these allegations, bring those responsible to justice and provide all victims with effective remedies. Right to collective bargaining 19. The Committee reiterates its concern about the obstacles imposed by the State party with respect to the right to collective bargaining of trade unions, through the requirement on collective bargaining licences. It is also concerned that the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2015 does not propose any change in terms of collective bargaining licences. The Committee recommends that the State party, in its new legislation, enhance the collective bargaining rights of trade unions and do away with the requirement to obtain collective bargaining licences. Social security 20. The Committee is concerned at the large number of social welfare appeals owing to the lack of clear understanding and consistent application of the eligibility criteria. It is also concerned that a considerable number of initial decisions on these appeals have been revoked (art. 9). Bearing in mind that social welfare benefits provide a social safety net to the most disadvantaged and marginalized, the Committee recommends that the State party clarify the eligibility criteria regarding social welfare benefits as well as their application so as to avoid a large number of appeals. It also recommends that initial decisions on social welfare appeals be made in a consistent and transparent manner and that appropriate training be provided to the public officers who make such decisions. Habitual residence condition 21. The Committee is concerned at the discriminatory effect of the habitual residence condition on women who are victims of domestic violence, the homeless, migrants, Travellers and Roma in accessing social security benefits. It is also concerned at the lack of understanding of and clear guidelines for the relevant officials on the criteria applicable to decide on the condition (art. 9). The Committee recommends that the State party review the habitual residence condition so as to eliminate its discriminatory impact on access to social security benefits, particularly among disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups, and ensure the consistent application of the criteria by providing clear guidelines and training to the relevant officials. 6