Minimum Wage Rates
Ireland 2012 : Minimum Rates of Pay in Ireland
The Minimum Wage Levels came into force on July 1st 2011 .
Experienced adult worker €8.65 per hour
Aged under 18 €6.06 per hour
Over 18 and in first year of first employment €6.92
Over 19 and in 2nd year of first employment €7.79
Employee aged over 18, in structured training during working hours
1st one third of course €6.49
2nd third of course €6.92
3rd part of course €7.79
If an employer cannot afford to pay the national minimum wage due to financial difficulty the Labour Court may allow them to pay below the minimum wage rate for between 3 months and one year. Only one such exemption can be allowed.
The employer must apply to the Labour Court for the exemption with the consent of a majority of the employees, who must also agree to be bound by the Labour Court decision.
The employer must demonstrate that he/she is unable to pay the national minimum wage and that, if compelled to do so, would have to lay-off employees or terminate their employment.
The Previous levels of hourly minimum pay were
Experienced adult worker €7.65
Aged under 18 €5.36
Over 18 and in first year of first employment €6.12
Over 19 and in 2nd year of first employment €6.89
Employee aged over 18, in structured training during working hours
1st one third of course €5.74
2nd third of course €6.12
3rd part of course €6.89