Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
226. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the effect of the adjustment to the minimum wage and employers' pay related social insurance measures introduced in budget 2016 on employment creation in the retail sector in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15795/16]
View answerThe national minimum hourly rate of pay increased to €9.15 per hour on January 1st this year following Government acceptance of the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation of July 2015 to increase the rate from €8.65 per hour.
In Budget 2016 a number of measures were introduced to ensure that the benefit of the increase was not lost to taxation for the employee and that the effect of the increase to €9.25 per hour on employer’s liability to PRSI was mitigated.
The Wholesale and Retail Sector is an important part of the domestic economy and accounts for the largest share of employment in the economy. It employs almost 275,000 people in Ireland. This represents about 12.5% of the workforce. The sector provides employment in every community in the country and is an important part of every locality. The Sector also indirectly supports jobs in other areas, such as logistics and distribution.
A Retail Consultation Forum was established under the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 to provide a platform for structured engagement between the sector and relevant Government Departments.
The Forum meets on a quarterly basis and I am looking forward to Chairing the next meeting which takes place on June 24th.
