Vol. 520 No. 4
44 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there has been any review or study of the numbers of workers who have not benefited fully from each national pay agreement; if her attention has been drawn to any sectors in which this problem exists; the plans, if any, she has to tackle this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15861/00]
I am not aware of any specific review or study having been undertaken as described by the Deputy. However, during the recent negotiations leading to the conclusion of the current Programme for Prosperity and Fairness the case of those people who are on low pay was considered. In addition to the minimum increases in each phase, low pay is addressed by the measures contemplated in relation to reduced taxation and progressive social welfare reform.
Furthermore, this Government has demonstrated its awareness of the needs of people on low incomes through the recent introduction of a national minimum wage. This is the first Government to do so. The initial rate set from April 2000 will be increased substantially on 1 July 2001 and 1 October 2002; indeed the increase is in excess of the general level of increases under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
