Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
7 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is intended to review the level of the national minimum wage, following the completion of the talks with the social partners on the second phase of Sustaining Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23656/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe parties to the mid-term review of part two of Sustaining Progress, Pay and the Workplace, have agreed to request the Labour Court to review the national minimum wage and to make a recommendation to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in accordance with the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, to apply with effect from 1 May 2005. On receipt of such a Labour Court recommendation, the minimum wage legislation provides a three month period for the Minister to consider the recommendation.
I welcome the Minister's response. I hope the review will be completed and that the good progress made on the minimum wage will be continued. I commend the Minister and his Department on the work they have done on this issue, which in some respects goes beyond more so-called progressive countries, but I want to ask a specific question on enforcement of the minimum wage laws. In a number of high profile cases recently the law of the land in that regard has been flouted, in particular in respect of non-national workers. Is the Minister satisfied there is adequate policing and resources at his disposal to ensure the minimum wage laws are enforced and that people in vulnerable employment in particular have easy access to make complaint in the event the law is not being complied with? Will the Minister ensure this area is fully implemented because it is vitally important for the people on the margins of our society?
I thank the Deputy for his comments on the performance of the Government and this Department regarding the minimum wage issue. We have moved from €4 an hour in 2000 to approximately €7 an hour as of February of this year. There has been a significant reduction in the percentage of workers on the minimum wage, from approximately 21% in 1999 to approximately 4.5% in 2002. That may be reflective of the general economic position, increased incomes and good economic management of the economy by the Government, but I will not invite responses to that.
In terms of enforcement, approximately 950 inspections were carried out in 2002. An additional four labour inspectors will be appointed to bring up the complement to approximately 21. That should provide additional strength in terms of enforcement and inspection.
I accept the Deputy's comments on non-nationals who come into the country. It is important they are afforded the same rights as anybody else. That will be a particular focus for our activities.
