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

Under public health arrangements due to Covid-19, all those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Members who participate remotely, as they are well aware, must do so only from within the Leinster House complex. Finally, I have received no apologies.

Today, we will discuss the costs of living, minimum wage increases and the report by the Low Pay Commission. Most employees are entitled to the minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. Since 1 January 2022, the national minimum wage is €10.50 per hour. In July, the Low Pay Commission published its report and recommendations for the national minimum wage. On 14 September, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Leo Varadkar, announced that he had received the Government's proposal to accept the recommendation by the Low Pay Commission to increase the national minimum wage by 80 cent to €11.30 per hour from 1 January 2023. I am pleased that we have this opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives.

I welcome Mr. Ultan Courtney, chairman, Low Pay Commission; Ms Claire Pyke, assistant principal officer, and Mr. Oisín Gilmore, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who form part of the secretariat to the commission; and Mr. Gerry Light, general secretary, Mr. Jonathan Hogan, assistant general secretary, and Mr. Jim Fuery, divisional organiser for the Dublin north division, Mandate.

Before we start I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses in regard to references witnesses and members 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 both to the Constitution and Statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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. If their statements, therefore, are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction they may be given.

The opening statements have been circulated to all members. I invite Mr. Courtney to make his opening remarks on behalf of the commission.