Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
942. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions his Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to his Department or agencies of his Department to ensure 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. [1379/16]
View answerThe Living Wage is a voluntary societal initiative centred on the social, business and economic case that, wherever it can be afforded, employers will pay a rate of pay that provides an income that is sufficient to meet an individual's basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, transport and healthcare. The Living Wage is voluntary and has no legislative basis and is therefore not a statutory entitlement and cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.
There have been no discussions between this Department and suppliers or service contractors to this Department in relation to the living wage.
The position regarding the agencies under the remit of this Department is a matter for them. I have forwarded a copy of your question to them for a direct reply. If you have not heard from the Agencies within ten working days, please contact my private office.
