Living Wage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Questions (408)

Dara Calleary

Question:

408. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions his Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to his Department or to agencies of his Department to ensure that employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1365/16]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Neither I nor my Department has had any discussions with suppliers or service contractors as the living wage is a voluntary concept at this stage and has no legislative basis. It is not a statutory entitlement and therefore cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.