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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: National Minimum Wage

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Did you just get your first job or have you recently returned to the workforce? You may also have recently arrived in Ireland and not know what to expect with regard to rates of payment.

Sometimes people can be slow to question employers about payment rates especially younger people and students, who in the current climate are experiencing more and more difficulty in finding summer jobs and part-time work.

When you start a job the amount you will be paid is generally agreed between you and your employer says Declan Canty, Information Officer with South Munster CIS who is based in Kerry.

“So it is important to be aware that most employees are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Your wages are the amount of pay you receive before any money has been deducted from it such as Tax, PRSI, USC etc.”

What is the Minimum Wage?

Since the 1st of January 2022 the National Minimum wage is €10.50 per hour. This is the rate which should be paid to most employees over the age of 20 years. For younger age groups there are what are called sub-minimum rates, calculated as a percentage of the full rate. Those aged 19 years receive 90% or €9.45 per hour. For an 18-year-old this reduces to 80% or €8.40 per hour, and those aged under 18 receive 70% of the minimum rate which works out at €7.35 per hour. It is important to remember the Minimum Wage does not prevent your employer from paying you a higher rate. A minimum wage exists in Ireland since the introduction of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 when it was just €5.58 per hour. Over the years it has been adjusted on 10 occasions and it applies to full-time, part-time, temporary and casual workers as well as seasonal employees.

How do I know if I am getting the Minimum Wage?

The method for calculation is to divide your Gross Pay by the total number of hours you have worked. Your working hours will be set out in your contract of employment or a Statement of the Terms of your employment. When doing this calculation you should not include any premium for working overtime or for working on Saturdays or Sundays and Public Holidays. Declan advises that if you have any difficulty with this you can ask your employer for a written statement of your average rate of pay for any pay reference period within the last 12 months. The pay reference period is the time that the hours are worked over such as weekly fortnightly or monthly.

What should I do if I am not getting the Minimum Wage?

You can begin by discussing this with your employer. It is important to note however that there are different rates for certain sectors such as Cleaning and Security. Other workers not entitled to the Minimum Wage include those employed by close relatives such as a parent or a spouse, along with statutory apprenticeships. If your employer says that they cannot afford to pay you the Minimum Wage due to financial difficulty the Labour Court may exempt them from paying it for anything from three months to one year. The employer must apply to the Labour Court for the exemption and they must have the consent of the majority of their employees. Only one exemption can be allowed and it will only be granted for the full rate of the National Minimum Wage.

As you may find it difficult to raise this issue with your employer Declan Canty from SMCIS said that it is important to be aware that you cannot be victimised in any way by asking to be paid the National Minimum Wages which you are entitled to. If you are dismissed for asking your employer for the Minimum Wage you are entitled to make a claim for unfair dismissal regardless of the length of time you have worked for your employer or the number of hours you have worked.

How to make a complaint:

If you are not getting the Minimum Wage you should first speak to your employer to see if the issue can be resolved. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your employer your next option available is to complete the online complaint form on the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) website. This form will give you two options from which you are only permitted to select one.

1. You can request an investigation by an inspector from the Workplace Relations Commission. The inspector will look into your claim that the National Minimum Wage is not being paid, or

2. You can refer a dispute to a WRC adjudicator. You can only do this after asking your employer for a statement outlining the calculation of the average hourly pay and you must refer the dispute within six months of receiving the statement.

If you need further information about any of the issues raised here or you have other questions, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information Service in Kerry on 0818 07 7860. They will be happy to assist you and if necessary arrange an appointment for you.

Kerry HELPLINE 0818 07 7860

Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie.

The National Phone Service is available on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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