Labour accuses government of stalling minimum-wage rise amid inflation fears

Labour has slammed the government's plan to postpone a small rise in Ireland's minimum wage, labeling it "shameful posturing" and empty sloganeering. Ged Nash pointed out that the Low Pay Commission, which he helped establish, recommended a €0.79 increase to €14.94 per hour, but the minister may refuse it, which by law requires a statement to the Dáil and Seanad. He said rejecting the recommendation would signal a hostile stance toward working people.

Fine Gael’s Emer Higgins countered that raising the wage could fuel inflation and raise the price of everyday items. One outlet minimum wage stands at €14.15 for workers aged 20 and over, and the government has already accepted a recommendation for a modest increase while possibly delaying a €16 living-wage target for 2029. An ESRI study found that past modest wage hikes have had little impact on overall price levels.