Nora Owen
Question:76 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date of the interdepartmental report on a minimum wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26168/98]
Written Answers - National Minimum Wage.
Nora Owen
Question:77 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the stage the minimum wage legislation is at in her Department; if she will publish draft legislation before the interdepartmental report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26169/98]
Nora Owen
Question:79 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the interdepartmental report on a minimum wage has been published; if an interim report has been published; if she will make a copy of the report available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26171/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 79 together.
I recently received the interim report of the interdepartmental group, which I have had published, and I welcome its comprehensive examination of the practical issues to be addressed in the implementation of the national minimum wage and particularly the enabling legislation. The work of this group is building on the valuable work of the National Minimum Wage Commission.
The interim report of the group dated October 1998 outlines its progress to date and identifies a range of issues that will require further consideration by the group. In its report the group examined a wide range of issues including the rate to be applied and the implementation date, the scope of the national minimum wage, exceptions and variations, and options for enforcement. The group has also commissioned the ESRI to undertake an impact study on those sectors of the economy most affected by the recommended national minimum wage and on the economy as a whole. I expect to receive the final report from the inter-departmental group in May 1999.
The interim report has been widely circulated and the group has invited submissions from interested parties. The report will provide a sound basis for ongoing consultations with the social partners.
My officials are undertaking the necessary preparatory work, including consultations with the social partners, on the details of the legislation although it will not be possible to finalise the legislative provisions prior to consideration of the final report of the group. As I stated previously I intend to have a statutory national minimum wage in place by the target timescale recommended by the National Minimum Wage Commission, on the expiry of Partnership 2000, beginning in April 2000. I have no plans to publish the legislation prior to receipt of the final report of the interdepartmental group.