Irish minimum wage of €9.15 recommended by Low Pay Commission

The Low Pay Commission called on the Government to adopt a 50 cent increase in the hourly rate, Government sources have said.

If accepted the pay rise could see the lowest paid workers get a €1,014 rise over a year.

The recommendation was made last week in a report to Ged Nash, Minister for Business & Employment.

"The minister received the report late on Friday night and is now considering it. He expects to bring it to cabinet next week," a spokeswoman said.

Government sources said the increase could be enacted in January.

The current minimum wage rate is €8.65. As part of its work reviewing minimum wage rates over the last few months the Low Pay Commission looked at data from a range of sources, took submissions from interested parties and met minimum wage workers and their employers.

Other factors taken into account were competitiveness, currency exchange and unemployment.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said during the week at the National Economic Dialogue that a range of measures would be introduced in the budget to help pave the way for reform.

It is understood the Government will examine changes to PRSI as part of the plan. If accepted it will be the second time the Fine Gael/Labour coalition Government has increased the minimum wage after a one euro rise in July 2011.

A report published earlier this month by think-tank Tasc said more than three-quarters of people think the minimum wage should be increased to €11.50 an hour - the recognised salary needed for someone to live above the breadline.

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