The Low Pay Commission is expected to recommend that the rate for the national minimum wage be increased to just over €9 per hour.

The commission will present its report to Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash over the next few days.

The national minimum wage is currently set at €8.65 per hour.

The commission is expected to recommend an increase of about 50 cent per hour.

A 50 cent rise would bring the rate to €9.15.

Employers’ groups have generally opposed any increase in the national minimum wage.

However, trade unions and social justice campaigners have called for an increase in the rate.

Burton statement

Tánaiste Joan Burton told the conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in Ennis earlier this month that she hoped and expected that the national minimum wage rate would be increased.

The previous Fianna Fáil/Green administration reduced the national minimum wage by €1 when it was in office.

The Government restored the rate to €8.65 shortly after it came to power.

Mr Nash is expected to bring the report of the commission to Cabinet next week.