Government hints at plan to cut pay rates in some sectors

Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation Richard Bruton has today given the clearest signal yet the Government will overhaul employment agreements, including cutting pay rates.

Minister Bruton has confirmed that he has now received a report of the review of the agreements for minimum wages in certain sectors, as well as premium payments for Sunday and anti-social hours.

He said that it will now be considered by Government and followed up with legislation quickly.

Minister Bruton told the Dáil that changes are necessary to support employment in some areas.

"I am conscious that there's very considerable pressure on employers in these sectors as well," he said.

"The pay rates here are much higher than north of the border.

"There are real pressures in these sectors, and real job losses occurring, and the system of wage setting has to be sensitive to those pressures as well."