Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
261. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all employees directly employed in, or in agencies funded by, his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32563/17]
View answerThe remuneration of the staff of my Department is as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in line with Government policy.
It is difficult to estimate the potential cost of introducing an hourly rate of €11.70 for relevant employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as those affected by the change include temporary clerical officers. The Department recruits a large number of temporary clerical staff on a seasonal basis, primarily for the Passport Office. This figure varies from year to year.
The best estimate of the cost per annum is in the region of approximately €350,000 to €800,000 to include permanent and temporary staff.
There are no State Agencies funded by my Department.
