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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Minimum Wage.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

44 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in implementing the interim report of the interdepartmental group on implementation of a national minimum wage; the timetable for the introduction of the national minimum wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12217/99]

The introduction of a national minimum hourly wage is a key priority for Government and one to which I am firmly committed. Immediately on taking up office, I established the national minimum wage commission which subsequently recommended that a target date of 1 April 2000 be set for the introduction of a minimum wage. It is my intention that this target date will be met and considerable progress has been made in this respect.

Before finalising the necessary legislation, it is important to properly assess the likely impact on the economy as a whole, and on various sectors of the economy, of the introduction of a national minimum wage. In particular, I am concerned to ensure that the measure is introduced in a way which does not damage employment or competitiveness and which lays the foundation for the proper monitoring of the wage after implementation. An interdepartmental group of officials was established to look at some of these issues and their work is well advanced and will provide an important input in determining the final shape of the legislation. Preparation of the legislation is in any event continuing and I am confident that the process will be completed well in advance of the April 2000 deadline.

Again, I confirm that it is my intention to have a statutory national minimum wage of £4.40 per hour in place on the expiry of Partnership 2000 in April 2000.

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