Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2013
30. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the national minimum wage in view of the recent comments of his colleague the Minister for Social Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33575/13]
View answerThe current Programme for Government contained a commitment to reverse the €1 per hour reduction in the National Minimum Wage introduced by the previous Government on 1 February 2011. The increase was provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 and effected by the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (Section 11) (No. 2) Order 2011 from 1 July 2011. The restoration of the National Minimum Wage to €8.65 per hour represents a significant commitment by the Government to protect the lowest paid and most vulnerable workers. I have no plans for further adjustments to the National Minimum Wage at this time.
