Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
155. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24161/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that based on the gross hours per week of 43.25 hours, the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed by my Department would be €67,435 per annum.
In relation to employees employed in Agencies funded by my Department, there would be no additional cost if a minimum threshold of €11.50 was implemented.
I can confirm that my Department adheres to all appropriate current wage legislation. As the Deputy is aware, the Low Pay Commission has recently recommended that the statutory minimum wage rate be fixed at a rate of €9.25 per hour.
