Low pay commission legislation
Willie O’Dea challenged the delay in legislation establishing a low-pay commission, questioning the Tánaiste’s commitment. The Minister said it remained a Government priority, with preparatory work under way but no immediate legislative proposal.
On assuming the leadership of the Labour Party, the Tánaiste expressed great concerns about the levels of pay in this country and announced that as part of her price for continuing-----
Comment on this
-----in government, the Government would immediately bring in legislation to establish a commission on low pay. According to this list, the legislation just to establish the commission to look at the subject will be brought forward at some unspecified time next year. It has not even been approved by Government yet. Will the Minister confirm that is the case because if it is, it calls the Tánaiste's genuineness into account?
Comment on this
It is certainly promised legislation. It is part of the revised agreement between the parties which the Deputy rightly said followed the Tánaiste assuming the leadership of the Labour Party. It will be developed by the Minister of State in my Department, Deputy Nash. He has already engaged in a number of meetings both here and in other jurisdictions to examine best practice in this approach. This is a priority for Government but it will not be on this list until a legislative proposal is set out in a framework. Work is very actively being undertaken in my Department and we will be in a position to brief Cabinet in due course of the approach that will be taken.