Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2015
36. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the recruitment process for the low pay commission; if the nine positions have been filled, and by whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5838/15]
View answerThere is a commitment in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 to establish a Low Pay Commission (LPC) on a statutory basis as an independent body to make annual recommendations to the Government about the appropriate level of the minimum wage and related matters. The Low Pay Commission will consist of:
- An independent chairperson
- Three people with a deep understanding of the interests of low paid workers, preferably with a proven track record of working on behalf of the low paid
- Three people with a deep understanding of employer interests, preferably where the national minimum wage is relevant and who have good knowledge of issues such as labour costs and competitiveness challenges facing Irish businesses
- Two members with experience of economics, labour market economics, statistics or employment law
With the exception of the position of chairperson, the appointment process was managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The membership of the Commission will be finalised shortly.
With a view to ensuring that it will be in a position to carry out its functions as soon as possible, I will shortly establish the Low Pay Commission on an interim administrative basis. Legislation to provide for the establishment of the LPC on a statutory basis will be published as soon as possible thereafter with a view to its early enactment and it is intended that the interim membership will constitute the Commission when it is established on a statutory basis.
