Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24165/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question 390 of 17 December 2015 which provided material on the above question.

Since that time, based on current staffing figures, there has been no appreciable change in the estimated cost of approximately €592,000 to my Department of implementing a living wage of €11.50 per hour.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions her Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to her Department or to agencies of her Department to ensure that employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24180/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may be aware that standard procurement terms and conditions for goods and services are prepared by the Chief State Solicitor and published by the Office of Government Procurement. These ensure that public service organisations fully discharge their legal obligations including those under employment law. Acceptance of these conditions is a qualification requirement before vendors can be awarded a contract by my Department. The setting of Ireland’s statutory National Minimum Wage is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

The Living Wage, because it is a voluntary initiative, cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.