Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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92. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a recent survey (details supplied) showing that the vast majority of workers have not received wage rises in line with inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9251/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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According to CSO data, average weekly earnings in the private sector increased by 4.5% in 2022 Q3 compared to the same period a year earlier, and were up 10.6% compared to the same period in 2020. The Government has no role in the wage bargaining process for private sector workers which is a matter for individual employers and employees.

However, the Government has been proactive in limiting the fallout from higher rates of inflation on workers and their families. Budget 2023 contained almost €2.2 billion in a package of measures to protect households from the rising cost of living, including supports for pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, job seekers, lone parents, and families with children. Budget 2023 also announced significant investment in childcare, with parents using full time early learning and childcare services expected to see an average reduction of 25% in their out-of-pocket costs. It also included a number of personal income tax measures that will ensure that 1.5 million income taxpayers will see an increase in their take home pay in 2023. As such, the changes will result in a direct financial benefit for all those who pay income tax, particularly those on middle incomes.

The Government remains acutely aware of the effect that high energy prices and the cost of living are having on families, businesses and the most vulnerable.

In recognition of these ongoing challenges the Government this week agreed a new €1.2 billion package of measures to put money back into people’s pockets, help with the bills, and ensure there is no cliff-edge for the temporary measures already in place.

This additional package included €470 million of measures to help social protection recipients from April to July, including for: families with children, lone parents, low-income families, carers, those on disability payments, older persons living alone and pensioners.

Yesterday’s announcement also extended the temporary reductions in VAT on gas and electricity, from 13.5% to 9%, to 31 October 2023, while the temporary reduction in VAT on Tourism and Hospitality, from 13.5% to 9%, will be extended to 31 August 2023. A phased restoration of the rates of excise on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil will take place in three stages over the coming eight months which will also cushion households and businesses from a sudden increase in fuel prices.