Enda Kenny
Ceist:51 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to introduce joint labour committees for the purpose of securing minimum wages in any new sectors.
Written Answers. - Establishment of New Joint Labour Committees.
I have no proposals to make application to the Labour Court for the establishment of any new joint labour committees. I am of the view, generally, that any proposals in this regard are best made by the social partners should they consider it appropriate to do so.
I would, however, point out that the joint labour committee system was extended in recent years to cover workers in retail grocery and further catering workers. Also, the position of low-paid workers was improved through the abolition of the 1 per cent levy, and with the exemption of those earning less than £173 per week from the health and employment levies. Personal tax allowances were also increased and the standard rate band widened.