Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received a report from the Labour Court regarding a possible change in the national minimum wage; if not, when she expects to receive its report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44606/09]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that 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 subsequently invited submissions on the issue. Various submissions were received, including from IBEC, ICTU and the Department of Finance. The Labour Court also held discussions with these parties.

Under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, the Labour Court is required to have regard to the prospects for any general agreement that may be reached between employer and employee representatives on the appropriate national minimum hourly rate of pay.

As the Deputy is aware, discussions are still under way between the Government and the Social Partners on the possibility of reaching an agreement on an integrated national response to the current crisis. Accordingly, I understand that the Labour Court has not yet concluded – as it is required to do under the Act – that there is no prospect of a general agreement being reached between the parties. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further while

Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 38.