Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Low Pay Commission was set up by the previous government to bring about a proper, structured and objective way of examining minimum wage recommendations. The Deputy will be aware that, before his time here, the previous Government reversed the cut to the minimum wage and increased it subsequently. The Low Pay Commission has made its recommendations, taking into account its view of the economic road ahead, including the consequences of Brexit.

Yesterday, the Government agreed to give approval for publication of the report, and I expect it will be discussed here. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has three months to respond and will consider carefully this recommendation from the Low Pay Commission. The Minister will return here in September, as is required under law, in respect of the proposal she will make to Government arising from the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission.

There was also a minority report as part of the recommendation. The reason for establishing the Low Pay Commission was to have an objective, structured way of recommending increases. Work should be seen to pay, so it is important to have that incentive for people to go to work. Clearly, however, when one increases the minimum wage, it has a knock-on effect further up the line for those on low pay.

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