A new minimum pay rate for construction workers is due to come into force from the beginning of February.
More than 50,000 construction workers will be eligible for the pay increase.
The new rates come into effect following an application to the court by trade unions for a review of pay.
These unions include Unite; Opatsi, which represents plasters; the Bricklayers and Allied Trades Union; Siptu; and Connect, which represents electricians and technicians.
Workers can also expect a pay raise of almost 3 per cent in 2023 under the new minimum rates, which were approved by the Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Employment Damien English.
The new scales will see a craftsman being paid a minimum of €20.52 per hour from next February and will increase to €21.09 per hour from February 2023.
A heavy machinery operator or scaffolder with four years' experience, also known as a 'category A' worker, must be paid at least €19.91 per hour, increasing to €20.47 from February 2023.
A 'category B' worker, otherwise known as a general operative with more than two years' experience, is to be paid a minimum of €18.47 per hour, increasing to €18.99 in 2023.
From February 1 , apprentices will be entitled to 33 per cent of the craft rates in their first year, 50 per cent in their second, 75 per cent in their third, rising to 90 per cent in their fourth year.
The Labour Court also recommended rates for pension contributions by employers and workers and for sick-pay schemes that all workers are subject to these rates are entitled.
Minister English said the new rates were “an important step on securing stability and growth” in the construction sector.
He said: “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.
"The recommendation is the third such recommendation from the Labour Court in the construction sector. The recommendation, if approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas, will take effect by means of an SEO and will amend Statutory Instrument 234 of 2019."
