asked the Minister for Labour if he proposes to set a minimum wage in order to protect young people from exploitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Minimum Wage.
134.
The joint labour committee system provides statutory minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment for lower paid workers including young workers in a number of sectors. It is open to a trade union or any organisation or group of workers to apply to the Labour Court for the establishment of a new joint labour committee.
It is my view that the JLC system which can take account of the particular economic and industrial relations circumstances of specific sectors is a flexible and effective means of tackling the problem of low pay and conditions of employment.
The Industrial Relations Bill, which will be circulated this week, contains provisions to improve the functioning of existing committees and speed up the establishment of new committees. The new Labour Relations Commission, which is provided for in the Bill, will have responsibility for monitoring and reviewing the operation of JLCs and will also have the power to examine whether new committees should be established.
Under the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977, children below 15 years of age are generally prohibited from engaging in employment. The Act also limits working hours, provides rest intervals and generally prohibits night work for young people below 18 years of age. Complaints about infringements of this Act are investigated by my Department and enforcement action taken where necessary.