asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider introducing legislation, as has been done in the United States, to provide for a minimum basic wage for male adults of £10 per week; and, if so, at what approximate date he would hope to introduce such legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minimum Basic Wage.
13.
It is the policy of the Government that the settlement of wages and other conditions of employment is, in general, a matter for free negotiation between employers and workers with recourse, if necessary, to the machinery provided for that purpose under the Industrial Relations Act, 1946. I believe employers and workers generally are in agreement with this policy and I am not considering the introduction of legislation of the kind suggested by the Deputy.