Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

In November 2008, ICTU requested the Labour Court to review the national minimum wage and to make a recommendation to me concerning its adjustment. The court is required under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 to consult with representatives of employers and employees in the private sector and the public sector of the economy. In this regard, I understand that the court invited submissions from IBEC, ICTU and the Department of Finance. The Labour Court also held discussions with these parties and I understand that the matter is still under consideration by the court.

Given my responsibilities under the Act with regard to the consideration of any eventual Labour Court recommendation on the minimum wage, it would not be appropriate for me to make a submission on the matter to the court and I have not done so.

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