Vol. 505 No. 7
42 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which the minimum wage will impact on the Joint Labour Committees' wage rates in the retail sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14730/99]
The National Minimum Wage Commission did not recommend any changes to the Joint Labour Committee system and suggested that they continue to set rates and conditions of employment for the sectors covered by the committees. The commission did consider that a radical assessment of the role and function of the Joint Labour Committee system should take place.
Partnership 2000 contains a commitment to review the operation and effectiveness of the Joint Labour Committees. The Labour Relations Commission has been requested to carry out the review, which will have regard to the introduction of a national minimum wage.
I am confident that any rates of pay prescribed by Joint Labour Committees, including the Retail Grocery and Allied Trades Joint Labour Committee, will be in compliance with the national minimum wage legislation from the implementation date.
