30-04-2025
Government accused of ‘attack on low-paid workers'
The Government has 'mounted an attack on low-paid workers', the deputy leader of the Social Democrats has said.
Cian O'Callaghan's comments come after it was reported that the Government is delaying the introduction of a living wage until 2029.
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Speaking during Leaders' Questions on Wednesday, he drew a comparison between the Government's treatment of senior leadership in semi-State organisations and its policies for low-paid workers.
Mr O'Callaghan said: 'Not content with creating a new 430,000 euro post for the housing czar, this Government now wants to increase pay for senior executives in semi-State organisations.
'Yesterday, (Public Expenditure Minister) Jack Chambers announced plans to change rules, which will see salaries soar.
'The heads of 30 semi-State bodies, from Horse Racing Ireland to RTÉ, are now potentially in line for massive increases.
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'This is despite the fact that these CEOs received a combined 75 million in pay and perks over 10 years, according to Village magazine.'
He added: 'Strangely, even though I carefully studied the Minister's statement yesterday, I did not see any reference to economic headwinds, tariffs or global volatility.
'When it comes to gold-plated salaries for those at the top, it seems these concerns are not worth mentioning. Compare that with how people on low pay are treated and the Government's shameful decision to postpone the introduction of a living wage.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)
'Improvement in sick leave for ordinary workers has also been put on the chopping block. In a triple whammy, plans to introduce pension auto-enrolment have also been kicked down the road yet again.
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'While all across the county people are struggling to make ends meet, keep their homes heated, rent paid and bills from piling up, this Government has mounted a despicable attack on low-paid workers.'
Mr O'Callaghan said housing costs more than double the EU average, bills have increased 80% since Russian invaded Ukraine, and the prices for goods and services are 42% higher than in other European countries.
'The cost of living is skyrocketing and the Government expects people to get by on 13.50 an hour. Why does this Government believe those at the top deserve bumper salary increases while low-paid workers are thrown under the bus?'
In response, Taoiseach Michaeál Martin said said the minimum wage had been significantly increased over the last number of years.
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'Over the past three to four years, significant improvements were made to the minimum wage, workers' rights and sick leave pay.
'2022 was the first time a statutory right was given to employer-paid sick leave in the sick leave Act.
'The Deputy made the exaggerated comment that we are engaging in despicable action again workers. Sick leave has gone from three to five days, which was introduced in January 2024.
'The minimumn wage has been increasing significantly over the past number of years as a result of Government decisions – it will continue to increase.
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'We decided to delay going from five to seven days. On the minimum wage, the delay is in respect of matching the living wage. It will be a matter for Low Pay Commission to determine the increase.'
On auto-enrolment, he said Government was 'going full steam ahead' with its plans.
'This Government, the two main parties in government, spent the last three to four years building up what was a very substantive programme in terms of getting auto-enrolment ready.
'In terms of the logistics of it, payroll providers and so on, the view was that it should start with the tax year in January as opposed to September – that is all.
'So let us not pretend it is some massive undermining of workers' rights or anything like that.'
