Written answers

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

National Minimum Wage

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

286. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to instances where payment in lieu is being offered to minimum wage earners, particularly in the hospitality sector, where boarding in hotel rooms and meals are offered instead of regular minimum wage; the measures he proposes to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49304/13]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To determine if an employee is receiving the correct minimum hourly rate of pay entitlement under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, certain reckonable components may be taken into account to determine an employee’s average hourly rate.

In this context, if an employer provides an employee with full board and lodgings, or lodgings only or full board only, a monetary allowance can be included as reckonable pay. (The term ‘full board’ means an entitlement to meals during the day).

The following are the amounts reckonable in such instances:- €54.13 for board and lodgings per week, or €7.73 per day; €32.14 for board only per week, or €4.60 per day; €21.85 for lodgings only per week, or €3.14 per day.

It is a criminal offence for an employer to pay an employee less than his or her minimum hourly rate of pay entitlement.

If an employee is not satisfied that he or she is being paid his or her statutory minimum entitlement under the 2000 Act, the employee may refer the dispute to a Rights Commissioner of the Labour Relations Commission or refer the matter directly to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) for investigation.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.