DUBLIN: The Irish Government has started measures to raise the minimum wage to a level equivalent to Ireland’s current living wage.
The government appointed the Low Pay Commission to examine and report on how Ireland could move to the living wage.
The current living wage in Ireland is €12.30 per hour. Living wage is defined as the minimum wage required for an adult engaged in full-time employment to meet their basic needs and maintain an acceptable standard of living.
But this is different from the current national minimum wage, which is only €10.20 per hour.
The Commission was set up on the basis of a manifesto prepared by the Government parties to raise the minimum wage of the employees within the tenure of the present Government.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar asked the commission to prepare a report on its activities this year and the cabinet yesterday approved the terms of reference for further scrutiny.
The Commission will look into how the potential increase in living wages can be compared internationally, as well as how it will affect labour costs, social welfare, health, education and housing.
The Commission will also consider the possibility of introducing lower supplementary welfare payments if living wages are to reduce poverty among low-wage workers.
Mr. Varadkar said in a statement yesterday that the role of COVID-19 pandemic essential workers has been redefined and society needs to re-examine how it should value their work.
The Tánaiste said the government’s highest priority is to ensure the well – being of retail workers, drivers, security guards, transport workers and cleaners, as well as workers engaged in essential services, including nurses, doctors and gardai.
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