EU Directives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023

Thursday, 22 June 2023

Questions (233)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

233. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expected timeline for the transposition of EU Directive 2022/2941 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union; the status of the preparation to date for the transposition of the directive; the steps required for full transposition of the directive, and in particular the provisions relating to collective bargaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30276/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages seeks to reduce working poverty and inequality by improving the adequacy of statutory minimum wages as well as the promotion of collective bargaining. The Directive explicitly recognises that strong and inclusive collective bargaining systems play an important role in ensuring adequate minimum wage protection.

Article 4.2 of this Directive requires Member States with a collective bargaining coverage rate below 80% to provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining to be implemented. Accordingly, Ireland is obliged to present an action plan to the European Commission as part of its transposition of the Directive no later than November 2024. This action plan is about ensuring the autonomy of social partners and does not compel any party to engage in negotiations or conclude agreements. The action plan will be prepared in consultation with the social partners and is a standing item on the LEEF sub-committee on employment rights.