Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister will be aware, ordinary people are really feeling the pressure in the midst of the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. Workers and families are really struggling. There are increased energy prices, increased food prices, and even increases in the price of housing. Yesterday, an AA survey showed that petrol prices have increased by 11.5% in the past two weeks. Diesel is now 45% more expensive than it was last year. According to the latest residential property price index, property prices nationally rose by 14.2% over the past year. It should be clear that workers need a pay rise. They need a pay rise that accounts for inflation. Anything less will be a cut in real terms. We are aware the wages of public sector workers can help to anchor the wages of those in the private sector. A genuine wage increase would have a positive spillover effect for the wages of those in the private sector. The Tánaiste has recently spoken about making the minimum wage a living wage, which would be most welcome. The Tánaiste referred to 2026. We cannot wait until 2026.

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