Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
323. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is an established action plan prepared or being prepared regarding the transposition of the EU Directive on an adequate minimum wage, including the facilitation to exercise collective bargaining; if so, when this plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11935/24]
View answerThe EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages includes two key areas: Minimum Wages, and Collective Bargaining. The Directive requires Ireland to develop an action plan to enhance collective bargaining coverage by the end of 2025.
The Final Report of the expert group on the transposition of the Directive, released in November, will be helpful in guiding how Ireland should transpose the Directive.
To this end, a technical working group has been established with the social partners to progress Ireland’s implementation of the Directive in relation to collective bargaining and the development of the action plan. The first meeting of the working group has already taken place and a second meeting will take place shortly.
I understand that my Department, through Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels, is engaging with other Member States to share best practice with regard to the development of the action plans.
The development of policy in this area must also be mindful of the fact that Ireland has one of the highest minimum rates of pay in the EU with the Government objective to phase in a statutory living wage by January 2026, which will be set at 60% of the hourly median wage.
