Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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301. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline any plans to change the minimum wage for persons under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22576/23]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In the past, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) was asked to examine the issues around subminimum rates under the National Minimum Wage Acts and reported on the matter in December 2017.

The LPC, having examined all available evidence and submissions, and having considered a range of options, made recommendations in its report to simplify youth rates based on age and to abolish training rates unless an employee is part of an apprenticeship programme already approved by the State.

Recently there has been some debate relating to subminimum rates of the national minimum wage. In this context, the Low Pay Commission has been asked by the Minister to re-examine the issues around retaining or removing the youth rates and to make recommendations on the subject. To inform its work, the LPC has asked the ESRI to conduct background research on this issue under the terms of the LPC-ESRI Research Partnership Agreement. The LPC’s report and recommendations on sub-minimum rates are expected in the second half of 2023.

While the issue of subminimum youth rates is being considered, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the LPC with regard to any future changes in the National Minimum Wage.