The new Low Pay Commission will move one step closer to getting underway today.

The Oireachtas Committee on Jobs will today meet the chairperson-designate of the body, Dr Donal de Buitléir.

Dr de Buitléir - who has a background in both the public and private sector - will brief deputies on his vision for the commission if his appointment is approved.

The commission will advise the government annually on the rate of the national minimum wage.

It is seen as a crucial part of plans to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living in Ireland.

Also on the agenda is an update from Connect Ireland - the body responsible for attracting small businesses to Ireland, and rewarding people for introducing new connections.

Fine Gael deputy, Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy, is chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs.

She says the gathering will allow the Low Pay Commission to begin its work shortly.

€8.65 is the current rate of minimum wage.

In January, the trade union SIPTU said it would seek a minimum living wage of €11.45 per hour.

SIPTU president, Jack O'Connor, also said that his union is embarking on a "major campaign" for pay increases of 5% across the economy.

However, employers group IBEC said many companies remain in survival mode - and that keeping costs under control is vital to sustaining existing employment and creating new jobs.