Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1877. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when she will review the au pair deduction of €53.14 in respect of au pair accommodation and food to reflect normal accommodation and food costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25395/16]
View answerUnder the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (National Minimum Hourly Rate of Pay) Order 2000 (SI No. 95/2000) certain reckonable components may be taken into account for all workers to determine an employee’s average hourly rate. The Act provides for the following amounts:
- €54.13 for board and lodgings per week, or €7.73 per day;
- €32.14 for board only per week, or €4.60 per day;
- €21.85 for lodgings only per week, or €3.14 per day.
You may be aware Deputy that during a recent debate on the Au Pair Placement Bill 2016 during Private Members Business, I indicated that given the passage of time since these rates were set in 2000, I thought it was now timely that their appropriateness be reviewed. I also indicated that I would be asking the Low Pay Commission to undertake this review. I am pleased to advise that I have written to the Chair of the Low Pay Commission in accordance with section 10C (4)(a) of the Act, requesting that this work be included in their 2017 work programme.
I look forward to the Low Pay Commission reporting back in relation to the appropriate level for these rates. The Commission is already engaged in reviewing the appropriateness of the sub-minima rates and the reasons behind the preponderance of women on the national minimum wage. I look forward to receiving those reports by the end of October next and following that the Commission will then proceed to report on the board and lodgings rates.
