Tánaiste Joan Burton has confirmed in the Dáil that the Government will establish a commission on low pay.

The commission was a Labour proposal discussed by Ms Burton and Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the lead-up to today's reshuffle.

She said the commission would be an independent statutory body and make annual recommendations to the Government about the appropriate minimum wage level and related matters.

“By taking politics out of low pay, we will ensure there will be no more attacks on low-paid workers,’’ she added.

Ms Burton said the Government would also prioritise the enactment of the collective bargaining legislation, as approved by the Government, to enhance workers’ rights.

Mr Kenny said the Government would shortly publish a statement of priorities for the remainder of its term. "We intend to make sure that recovery is felt, and deeply, in every city, town and village across this country," he added.