250. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is proposed to transpose the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive into Irish law; when he proposes to publish the required relevant action plan for the promotion of collective bargaining; when legislation is likely to be before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17449/24]

The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages includes two key areas: Minimum Wages, and Collective Bargaining. 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.

The Directive also requires Ireland to develop an action plan to enhance collective bargaining coverage by the end of 2025.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.