Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
370. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [24182/16]
View answerThe living wage is a voluntary societal initiative and has no legislative basis, it is therefore not a statutory entitlement. It cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.
Matters of employee pay rates are a matter for the employer and employee(s) concerned subject to compliance with employment legislation. Companies tendering to supply goods or services to Government Departments are legally obliged to provide a statement confirming that they have taken account of their legal obligations relating to employment protection and working conditions relating to the provision of the services sought.
My Department has consequently no discussion with suppliers or companies in relation to whether their employees are in receipt of the living wage. Such operational arrangements for suppliers to my Department are a matter for the bodies concerned and my Department holds no information in relation to this.
