The Low Pay Commission which is independent in the performance of its functions was established on a statutory basis in July 2015. Its principal function is to annually examine and make recommendations, which are evidence based, on the national minimum hourly rate of pay.
The Commission’s first Report recommended an hourly rate of €9.15 for experienced adult workers. This increase from €8.65 per hour came into effect on January 1st 2016. The sub-minima rates were also automatically increased then too.
As well as making recommendations on the national minimum wage, the Commission has been asked to examine the appropriateness of the lower sub-minima rates that currently exist. Their report was due by the end of February 2016, but an extension to the end of October 2016 was sought and has been granted to the Commission. This is to allow the Commission avail of new data due to come on stream over the coming months as a result of an additional question added to the Q2 2016 Quarterly National Household Survey on a pilot basis.