Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I remind members who are participating in the meeting remotely that they must do so from within the Leinster House complex only, as they are aware. Apologies have been received from Senator Róisín Garvey.

Today we will look at the work of the Low Pay Commission and its recommendations in respect of the national minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission was established in 2015 as an independent body, the statutory function of which is to make recommendations to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the appropriate rate of the national minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission annual report for 2023 recommends an increase in the national minimum wage of €1.40 per hour bringing it to €12.70 per hour. The recommendation was accepted by the Government and will be introduced from 1 January 2024. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider this and related matters further with the representatives from the Low Pay Commission. I welcome: Mr. Ultan Courtney, chair of the Low Pay Commission; Dr. Frank Walsh, member of the Low Pay Commission; Ms Claire Pyke, assistant principal officer with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and Mr. Oisín Gilmore, administrative officer with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Before we start, as I always do, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. Courtney to make the opening remarks.