The Taoiseach has promised that the minimum wage will increase, despite opposition from business lobby groups.
Enda Kenny was speaking as the government unveiled a low pay commission this morning, and as one JobBridge participant from Clare defended the controversial scheme.
The Taoiseach says “it’s morally unacceptable” that some families – where the head of household is in full time work – are still in poverty.
Enda Kenny was speaking at the launch of the new Low Pay Commission – which has been set up to look at how to change the Minimum Wage in the years ahead.
The Commission's first report is due to be published in July – and the Government will respond before the Budget.
Enda Kenny says the current rate of 8-euro-65 per hour will be changed ‘incrementally’ over time, even though business groups say there's no justification for this.
Today's event comes after a week in which the controversial jobbridge work experience scheme was under the spotlight.
The National Youth Council called for it to be reformed, after a study of 84 participants found that just four out of ten JobBridge interns end up in full or part time work after completing the training programme.
Today, however, one from West Clare has defended the program.
Sean O'Connell from Miltown Malbay has taken part in two separate Job-Bridge placements – one with a Government department and another with a charity.
Like most jobbridge participants, he did not receive an offer of full-time work afterwards, but despite this he says that the experience was a positive one and he values the mentoring he received.
He has, however, questioned whether Government departments should be allowed to take part.
