Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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65. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will support a substantial increase in the national minimum wage in 2026 to address the cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50125/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The Low Pay Commission's report and recommendations for the 2026 National Minimum Wage were submitted to the me in July. They will be brought to Government for consideration as part of the budget, as is standard practice.

The Low Pay Commission has an evidence-based approach to its decision making. Its annual recommendations on the National Minimum Wage are informed by national and international research in the field of minimum wages and are guided by the statutory criteria it must consider when making its recommendations.

The Low Pay Commission has a statutory obligation to consider, inter alia, the effect that any national minimum wage recommendation will have on the cost of living in Ireland and as a result is very cognisant of the importance of its recommendation in light of current concerns about the cost of living.

In 2024, there was a significant uplift of 12% (€1.40) in the minimum wage, and this year the minimum wage increased by €0.80 an increase of over 6%. Both of these increases were well ahead of inflation and projected wage growth and have brought about substantial and real wage growth for the lowest paid workers in our economy.

The Government is aware of concerns about the cost of living. We are also aware of employers’ concerns about the high cost of doing business.

The Government is committed to ensuring 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.

The Low Pay Commission's report will be published, and the rate of the 2026 National Minimum Wage will be announced following the budget.