Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In 2021, I asked the Low Pay Commission to examine the Programme for Government commitment to progress a living wage over the lifetime of the Government and to make recommendations to me on how best we can achieve this commitment. Following this request, the Low Pay Commission commissioned a team of researchers in the National University of Ireland, NUI Maynooth to conduct research on the living wage.

The research was to consider the policy, social, and economic implications of a move to a living wage and the process by which Ireland could achieve it. This research was to examine international evidence on living wages, different calculation methods available, the policy implications of moving to a living wage and ultimately outline options for moving to a living wage in Ireland.

In January 2022, the Low Pay Commission received this living wage research report from the researchers at NUI Maynooth. The Low Pay Commission then met with a number of stakeholders and representative groups with an interest in the introduction of a living wage.

The Low Pay Commission submitted its Living Wage Report to me at the end of March 2022, along with the accompanying research report from NUI Maynooth. Along with my officials, I am currently reviewing the Commission’s report and recommendations. I am considering the next steps required and intend to bring proposals to Government shortly, including the publication of the Commission’s report and the accompanying research report.

While the living wage initiative is being considered, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with regard to any future changes in the minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission is required to submit its annual recommendation on the National Minimum Wage to me on or before the third Tuesday in July.