asked the Minister for Labour the number of our EEC partners who have a statutory minimum wage; and if it is proposed that Ireland should follow suit in this regard.

Some form of statutory minimum wage fixing operates in this country and also in six other EEC countries. In this country, statutory minimum rates of pay apply in respect of the various occupations covered by joint labour committees and registered employment agreements. There are no proposals for the introduction of a statutory minimum wage rate for all workers.

Would the Minister not agree that a statutory minimum wage would be a desirable development since many people in employment are being seriously exploited and this contributes in no small way to industrial unrest? Will the Minister review his decision not to introduce a statutory minimum wage?

I would prefer to go along with the decision made by congress at the annual conference in 1974 not to seek the introduction of a national minimum wage. I would consider an extension of the joint labour committee concept to any sector if it were found that adequate wages were not being paid in that sector.

Surely the Minister is aware that in the EEC countries where there is a statutory minimum wage this has contributed significantly to industrial peace and social justice? Surely this is one area in which we should seek to emulate our EEC partners?

I am not aware that it contributes to industrial peace in any country. If I feel there is a need for a joint labour committee in any of those areas I will have no hesitation in taking the necessary steps to have it established.