Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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841. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed, or in agencies funded, by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24168/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Policy making in relation to the terms and conditions, including the determination of salary rates, for all public servants including staff in the State agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter in the first instance for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The living wage is voluntary and is, currently, not a statutory entitlement.  Should the living wage be implemented in the future, the calculation of the costs arising will be considered in the context of the overall staffing budget.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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842. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions his Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to his Department, or to agencies of his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [24183/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The living wage is a voluntary initiative centred on the social, business and economic case that, wherever it can be afforded, employers will pay a rate of pay that provides an income that is sufficient to meet an individual's basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, transport and healthcare.  As the living wage is voluntary and has no statutory entitlement it cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.

There has been no discussion between this Department and suppliers or service contractors to this Department in relation to the living wage.

The position regarding the agencies under the remit of this Department is a matter for their direct response.  I have forwarded a copy of your question to them for direct reply.  If you have not heard from the agencies within ten working days, please contact my private office.