Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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41. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the lobbying that has taken place from business interests regarding delaying the introduction of a living wage and additional sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21248/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In my role as Minister of State for Small Business and Retail at the Department for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I regularly engage with business representative groups, employers, trade unions and the public through various fora including the Enterprise Forum, the Retail Forum and the Labour Employer Economic Forum and its subgroup on Employment and Enterprise. These platforms aim to ensure that the department’s policies and initiatives are informed by the needs and perspectives of the business community and other stakeholders.

Business owners and representative organisations, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, have consistently raised concerns about the cumulative impact of regulatory measures such as statutory sick leave and the transition to a living wage.

Statutory sick leave was developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including unions, employer groups, and other Government Departments. It is a valuable public health measure than can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and the likelihood of infectious disease transmission in the workplace. Five days’ sick leave strikes the right balance. It gives workers income protection, and, if they remain unfit to work, Illness Benefit is there to support them.

There was also a significant uplift of 12% (€1.40) in the minimum wage in 2024 and an increase of over 6% (€0.80) in 2025. These recent increases were well ahead of inflation and wages and have brought about substantial real wage growth for the lowest paid workers in our economy. The Government is committed to fair wages for all workers and remains committed to the introduction of a Living Wage during its term. We are committed to the progression to a living wage, but it is important that we do so in a way that does not threaten employment or competitiveness. We will seek to find a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low-paid workers and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.

As the deputy will be aware, the Standards in Public Office Commission is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Register of Lobbying and this register is available for members of the public to consult online at www.lobbying.ie.