Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received a report from the Labour Court in regard to 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. [4840/10]

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, in the first instance, 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. In this context, the Court is required to conclude that there is no prospect of a general agreement being reached between the parties.

It would be inappropriate for me to comment further while the matter is still under consideration by the Court.