Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It may very well be the case that the commission could explore this issue in time. As the Deputy will be aware, the system we are providing for the work programme of the Low Pay Commission will mean that the programme will be developed early each year, thus giving the commission the opportunity to consider that proposal and to understand what its mandate and work programme will be for any given year in the first two months of the year.

On the question of requiring the commission to recommend national minimum wage rates of pay for female workers, the commission may be asked to look at a range of related matters in the context of the minimum wage. The prevalence of female workers on or near the national minimum wage is very well known. We know that there is a preponderance of women on the national minimum wage given the sectors. In that context I would see the Deputy's real concerns being addressed. In any event, setting a minimum rate based on a person's gender would arguably and possibly be in breach of equality legislation.