Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor denies minimum wage decision

Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor has denied reports she and the Government have abandoned plans to raise the minimum wage to €10.50 by 2021.

It was suggested that the Government has abandoned its pledge to raise the minimum wage because of a row with the newly established Low Pay Commission over its independence. It has emerged that Donal de Buitleir, chairman of the LPC, wrote to the minister saying the Government’s commitment to increase the minimum wage was in conflict with its independent mandate. Mr de Buitleir informed Ms Mitchell O’Connor that he was suspending the LPC’s evidence gathering work until its independence was guaranteed.

Ms Mitchell O’Connor has since given that clarity of independence but, through a spokesman, yesterday said the commitment remains, but it would be inappropriate for her or junior minister Pat Breen to interfere in the work of the Commission.