Written answers

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Low Pay Commission Establishment

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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120. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to publish the low pay commission legislation; and his plans to establish the commission on an interim administrative basis to carry out its functions as early as possible. [44359/14]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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There is a commitment in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 to establish a Low Pay Commission (LPC) on a statutory basis as an independent body to make annual recommendations to the Government about the appropriate level of the minimum wage and related matters.

With a view to ensuring that the LPC is in a position to carry out its functions as soon as possible, the Minister for Business and Employment intends, in the first instance, to establish the LPC on an interim administrative basis. This approach was approved by Government at the end of October. Legislation to provide for the establishment of the LPC on a statutory basis will be published as soon as possible with a view to its enactment in early 2015. It is intended that the interim membership will constitute the Commission when it is established on a statutory basis.

While the complement of the Low Pay Commission has yet to be decided it will comprise a Chair and other members appointed by the Minister. In appointing members, the Minister will have regard to the desirability of ensuring that there is an appropriate balance between:

- members who will have a deep understanding of the interests of low-paid workers;

- members who will have a deep understanding of the interests of employers, particularly small to medium-sized employers and those operating in traditionally low-pay sectors;

- independent members who will have relevant knowledge or expertise in relation to some or all of the following; economics, labour market economics, workplace relations and employment law.

It is proposed that members will be appointed to the Commission for a period not exceeding three years.

The Commission will be statutorily independent in the performance of its functions.

Expressions of interest will shortly be sought by the Public Appointments Service from suitably qualified persons for consideration for appointment as members of the Low Pay Commission.

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