The Deputy will be aware from my previous responses to her questions on this issue that in 2021 I asked the Low Pay Commission to examine the Programme for Government commitment to progress a living wage over the lifetime of the Government and to make recommendations to me on how best we can achieve this commitment. Following this request, the Low Pay Commission commissioned a team of researchers in the National University of Ireland, NUI, Maynooth, to conduct technical research on the living wage. In January of this year, the Low Pay Commission received the research report from the researchers at NUI Maynooth.
I recently received the Low Pay Commission’s report and recommendations on the progression to a living wage. Along with my officials, I am reviewing the Commission’s report and recommendations. I am considering the next steps required in the progression to a living wage, such as the publication of the Commission’s report and the accompanying research report, and consultation on the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.
