Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
282. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government 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. [24175/16]
View answerThe Living Wage is voluntary, has no legislative basis and is therefore not a statutory entitlement; it cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors. Matters of employee payment rates are a matter for the employer and employees concerned, subject to compliance with employment legislation. My Department has consequently had no discussions with suppliers or service contractors in regard to the rate of pay of their employees.
Such operational arrangements for agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the bodies concerned and my Department does not hold information in relation to this.
