Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

281. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government 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. [24160/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Payment of salaries to staff of my Department is made in line with pay scales approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. If a minimum payment of €11.50 an hour were introduced, the additional costs for my Department are estimated to be in the region of €10, 000 (not including Employer’s PRSI). This figure reduces as and when the staff concerned progress along an incremental scale and may be marginally affected by any staff transfers currently underway arising from the Transfer of Functions between different Departments.

Information in respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the bodies concerned and is not available in my Department.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

282. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government 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. [24175/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Living Wage is voluntary, has no legislative basis and is therefore not a statutory entitlement; it cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors. Matters of employee payment rates are a matter for the employer and employees concerned, subject to compliance with employment legislation. My Department has consequently had no discussions with suppliers or service contractors in regard to the rate of pay of their employees.

Such operational arrangements for agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the bodies concerned and my Department does not hold information in relation to this.