Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Jul 1997

Vol. 480 No. 2

Written Answers. - Minimum Hourly Wage.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

45 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment the Government's proposals, if any, for the introduction of a national minimum hourly wage; the rate at which the minimum wage will be set; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13759/97]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

55 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment the steps, if any, she proposes to take to implement the Government's commitment to introduce a national minimum hourly wage; the effects of the proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13738/97]

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

78 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment the way in which she will implement the Government's commitment to a minimum hourly wage; and whether she will replace, enhance or otherwise alter the system of joint labour committees. [13962/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Miss Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 55 and 78 together.

The programme for Government includes, as a key priority, the introduction of a national minimum hourly wage. I intend to bring proposals on the implementation of this commitment to the Cabinet shortly. The economic and social importance of this commitment requires full consultation with the social partners. In formulating my proposals for Government, I will examine the experience of the existing joint labour committee machinery that now covers 100,000 people in 17 sectors.