Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Minimum Wage.

Nora Owen

Question:

69 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Finance 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. [7151/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Mc Creevy):

As the Deputy is aware the National Minimum Wage Bill, 2000 is currently before the Oireachtas. If passed into law, it is intended that the national minimum wage will initially be set at an hourly rate of £4.40 and will be implemented with effect from 1 April 2000.

There are no workers in my Department, or in any agency under the aegis of my Department, who are currently paid less than £4.40 an hour.