Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2024
116. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what specific date in early June is the National Minimum Wage (Equal Pay for Young Workers) Bill 2022 is to be reread the second time, as promised by the Minister (details supplied); when can we expect to receive the Low Pay Commission’s report on sub-minimum wage rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23304/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment sought a timed amendment to the second reading of the National Minimum Wage (Equal Pay for Young Workers) Bill 2022 to allow for the conclusion of the Low Pay Commission’s examination of sub-minimum rates of the National Minimum Wage.
In 2022 the Low Pay Commission was asked to examine these rates and make recommendations on whether these rates should be retained, amended or removed.
The Low Pay Commission conducted an in-depth review of sub-minimum rates, and commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, to conduct background research on the issue, under the terms of the Low Pay Commission and ESRI Research Partnership Agreement. This ESRI report “Sub-minimum wages in Ireland” was published in November 2023.
The study examines the incidence and the characteristics of employees that are paid below the full national minimum wage rate. It provides evidence on the number of employees, and the type of employees, that could be impacted by any changes made to the sub-minimum youth rates.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Low Pay Commission has completed their review of this important issue and has submitted their report and recommendations on sub-minimum rates of the National Minimum Wage.
The Low Pay Commission’s report raises many important issues that I am giving full consideration to. The Commission’s recommendations will be brought to Government for decision in due course.
The Commission’s report will be published shortly.
