Minimum wage set for 5.6% increase recommendation

The Low Pay Commission is set to recommend a 5.6% increase to Ireland's minimum wage, potentially raising the hourly rate from €14.15 to €14.94. This proposed hike, amounting to 79 cents, would take effect from January 1, 2027, if accepted by the government. The Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, will review the commission's report, which is due on July 21, 2026.

While the government typically follows the Low Pay Commission's advice, it is not legally bound to do so. A spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise stated that the recommendations will be carefully considered within the context of prevailing economic conditions and as part of the Budget 2027 discussions, a standard procedure. The minimum wage has seen annual increases since 2016.

Existing legislation permits lower, sub-minimum rates for individuals under 20. Those aged 19 receive 90% of the standard rate, 18-year-olds get 80%, and those 17 and younger are entitled to 70%. The Low Pay Commission's recommendation was initially reported by The Irish Times.

“

The Government will carefully consider the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission when determining the appropriate National Minimum Wage for 2027, in the context of prevailing economic conditions and as part of discussions on the Budget 2027, as is standard practice.