National Minimum Wage.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2004

Tuesday, 10 February 2004

Questions (64)

John Gormley

Question:

135 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the full increase in the minimum wage will take place immediately; and if she will resist calls to defer half of the increase until 2005. [3819/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey)

On foot of a Government commitment in, Sustaining Progress, S.I. No. 205 of 2003 was signed on 24 June 2003, increasing the national minimum wage to €7.00 per hour with effect from 1 February 2004. Accordingly, labour inspectors from my Department are obliged to enforce the new rate with effect from that date.

In such circumstances, the question of postponement of any part of the increase does not arise.