Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Minimum Wage.

Nora Owen

Question:

58 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the impact, if any, the payment of the national minimum wage will have on his Department; the number of staff working for his Department or any agency associated with his Department who will need to receive an increased wage as a result of its introduction; the full cost of its introduction in his Department; the sectors and persons and categories of employees who will be receiving it when it is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7150/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

Following legislation by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, it is anticipated that a minimum wage of £4.40 per hour will apply from 1 April 2000. On the basis of wage levels which will operate on that date, none of the staff of this Department will be entitled to a wage increase as a consequence of the minimum wage provisions.

As my Department does not have responsibility for operational matters affecting state bodies, the effect of the national minimum wage on state bodies is a matter for those agencies.