Expected delays by the government in implementing a living wage will result in people in full-time employment continuing to fall into poverty, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney, who is the party’s spokesperson on enterprise and employment, said:
“It is deeply disappointing to learn that long awaited plans for a living wage are expected to be pushed back to at least 2029, with the auto-enrolment pension scheme also likely to be put into cold storage. This is despite a pledge by the previous government to set out a pathway towards a living wage by 2026, with annual increases to the minimum wage.
“It flies in the face of a commitment in the programme for government to support the work of the Low Pay Commission, which is responsible for implementing the living wage.
“In a country as rich as Ireland, it is unconscionable that the government’s first instinct is to target the working poor as soon as storm clouds gather over the global economy.
“For too long, the rights of workers in this country have been the first thing to be sacrificed during times of economic upheaval.
“This government needs to recognise that a living wage is essential if we don’t want people with full-time jobs falling into poverty.
“Business supports should not come at the expense of the most poorly paid workers, who put most of their money back into local economies.
“While boosting Ireland’s competitiveness seems to be the government’s priority, what we’re actually seeing is a race to the bottom when it comes to our most vulnerable citizens.”
April 15, 2025