26/02/2015

'Morally Unacceptable' For Working People To Be In Poverty - Taoiseach

Working people experiencing poverty has been described as "morally unacceptable" by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Speaking at the launch of the Low Pay Commission – established to assess the national minimum wage – Mr Kenny said that work should "always pay more than welfare".

Mr Kenny quoted statistics which reveal 9% of families, where the head of the family was at work, lived in consistent poverty.

Announcing the new commission, which will review current minimum wage levels and if they need to be adjusted, Mr Kenny pledged that some 80,000 low-paid workers would be removed from liability for the Universal Social Charge.

(MH/JP)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 June 2015
Low Pay Commission 'Next Step' In Fair Pay For Workers - Labour
The Low Pay Commission represents the "next step" in fair pay for workers, Labour's Sean Kenny has said. Commenting on the the National Minimum Wage Act, Deputy Kenny said that the Low Pay Commission demonstrates the governments commitment to tackling low pay. "Low pay is not some abstract economic issue.
15 July 2015
Low Pay Commission Bill To Be Signed Into Law
The Low pay Commission Bill has passed all stages in the House of the Oireachtas and will now be sent to President Michael D Higgins for early signature into law. The new Commission will be tasked with advising the Government on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage and other policy areas related to low pay.
20 July 2015
Ibec Slams Proposals By The Low Pay Commission
Ibec has slammed plans by the Low Pay Commission for a 50c increase in the national minimum wage. The group, which represents Irish business, said the case is at odds with all the economic evidence. It also said the increase would heap pressure on companies still struggling to stay in business.
17 April 2015
Fianna Fáil Calls For Minimum Wage Increase
Fianna Fáil has called for a 6.4% increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in its submission to the Low Pay Commission.
04 December 2015
Employment Minister Encourages Submissions To LPC
Parties interested in the National Minimum Wage are being encouraged to make submissions to the Low Pay Commission (LPC). Employment Minister Ged Nash is urging interested persons to make their submissions as the LPC begins a new phase of work. The Minister has tasked the independent body to examine two other areas relating to low pay.