In its report submitted to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty TD, the Low Pay Commission set out the range of data it had considered in recommending the rate for the National Minimum Wage for 2019. The Commission also consulted widely, receiving submissions from interested parties and meeting directly with workers on the minimum wage and employers in relevant economic sectors.
Minister Doherty welcomed the Low Pay Commission’s report stating, “I am delighted to receive my first Low Pay Commission recommendation on the national minimum wage as the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. This is the first year that the LPC has reached unanimous agreement on the rate of the national minimum wage, and I welcome this unanimity.”
Minister Doherty welcomed the detailed analysis involved in producing the 2018 report, which highlighted strong growth in the economy and the fact that growth has now spread across the country as a whole. She noted also the Commission’s reference to the uncertainty regarding the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, and the potential impact that any eventual decisions in that regard might have on the Irish economy.
The Low Pay Commission recommendation was accepted by Cabinet at its meeting at Derrynane House in Co Kerry.
The Taoisaech, Leo Varadkar, said it represents the third increase in the minimum wage since the Government involving Fine Gael and the Independents came to office. The increase is due to be introduced in January.
Mr Varadkar said the increase will put Ireland in the top five in the world for our national minimum wage in cash terms and purchasing power.
