Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
55. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is concerned at a recent report that shows that young persons and women are hardest hit by the growth of low wages; and if the phenomenal increase in the low wage sector undermines any claim this or the previous Government made regarding economic success. [15832/16]
View answerThe Low Pay Commission which is independent in the performance of its functions was established on a statutory basis in July 2015. Its principal function is to annually examine and make recommendations, which are evidence based, on the national minimum hourly rate of pay.
The Commission’s structure is designed to ensure a balanced statutory minimum pay rate that is fair and will assist low-paid and vulnerable workers.
The Commission’s first Report submitted in July 2015 recommended an increase in the national minimum hourly rate of pay from €8.65 to €9.15. This rate came into effect on January 1st 2016.
The next report of the Low Pay Commission regarding the national minimum wage is due on the 19th July this year.
I look forward to responding to any recommendation of the Low Pay Commission in relation to the national minimum wage as part of Budget 2017.
As well as making recommendations in relation to the national minimum wage, the Commission has also been asked to examine the appropriateness of the lower sub-minima rates that currently exist.
The Commission has also been asked to examine why almost 65% of those on the minimum wage are women.
Both reports are due by end October 2016.
