Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages includes two key areas: Minimum Wages, and Collective Bargaining. The Directive requires Ireland to develop an action plan to enhance collective bargaining coverage by the end of 2025.

The Directive must be transposed into Irish law by 15th November 2024. My Department has received legal advice on the minimum wage elements of the Directive that Ireland’s current minimum wage setting framework, namely the Low Pay Commission, is largely already in compliance with the provisions of the Directive. My Department has also requested legal advice as to whether any legislative change is required in order to transpose Article 4 on collective bargaining.

A technical working group has been established with the social partners to progress Ireland’s implementation of the Directive in relation to collective bargaining and the development of the action plan. This group will examine both legislative and administrative proposals for inclusion in the action plan.

I am aware of the Respect at Work campaign. The Government fully supports the right of any worker to join and be active in their trade union.