A number of trade unions applied to the Labour Court for a review of the terms and conditions of workers in the construction sector, in accordance with section 14 of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015.

The Labour Court recommended, from February 2022, the introduction of basic pay rates of €20.52 per hour for craftspersons, €19.91 per hour for Category A workers and €18.47 per hour for Category B workers.

These would rise, from February 2023, to €21.09 per hour for craftspersons, €20.47 per hour for Category A workers and €18.99 per hour for Category B workers.

Apprentices would receive a third of the craft rate in their first year, half in their second year, three-quarters in their third year and 90 per cent in their fourth and final year.

A draft sectoral employment order (SEO) to implement the new rates will be presented to the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.

Damien English, minister of state for business, employment and retail, said: “The sectoral employment process is a statutory wage-setting mechanism based on the principles of collective bargaining.

“It provides an independent assessment of pay rates that considers the views of all interested parties with a view of ensuring industrial harmony and competitiveness.

“My role, as the minister, is to ensure that the Labour Court’s recommendation has complied with the statutory provisions of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Industrial Relations Act 2015.

“I have carefully considered the statutory report that was submitted to me alongside the recommendation, and, on this basis, I have formally accept the Labour Court’s recommendation.”

He added: “These measures are an important step in securing stability and growth in this crucial sector of the Irish economy.

“This Order will protect the working conditions of workers in the construction sector; will underpin continued good relations between workers and employers in the sector; and will help maintain the attractiveness of this sector as a viable career option.”