Richard 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. The Low Pay Commission will consist of:

- An independent chairperson

- Three people with a deep understanding of the interests of low paid workers, preferably with a proven track record of working on behalf of the low paid

- Three people with a deep understanding of employer interests, preferably where the national minimum wage is relevant and who have good knowledge of issues such as labour costs and competitiveness challenges facing Irish businesses

- Two members with experience of economics, labour market economics, statistics or employment law

With the exception of the position of chairperson, the appointment process is being managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). In this regard, PAS has sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates for consideration for membership of the Commission. The closing date for submissions of such expressions was 12 January last. While I am not privy to the precise number of expressions submitted to the PAS, I understand that there was significant interest in the positions. I anticipate the membership of the Commission will be finalised over the coming weeks.

With a view to ensuring that it will be in a position to carry out its functions as soon as possible, the LPC will be established, in the first instance, on an interim administrative basis. 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 early enactment and it is intended that the interim membership will constitute the Commission when it is established on a statutory basis.