Laois TD welcomes increase to minimum wage in Budget

Laois TD Sean Fleming said the Budget has helped lower paid workers

Published 7th Oct 2026, 22:30 BST Laois TD Sean Fleming. Laois TD Sean Fleming said the Budget has helped lower paid workers Laois TD Sean Fleming has welcomed Budget 2027, saying that it rewards lower paid workers by increasing the minimum wage.

It was announced in Tuesday’s Budget that the national minimum wage will increase to €14.94 per hour which means someone working 40 hours a week will earn about €597 per week, or over €31,000 per annum.

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The Fianna Fáil TD for Laois praised the move, saying the Budget “directly helps minimum wage workers while also easing the cost of living pressures on individuals and households.”

“The changes rewards all those who work, especially those on the national minimum wage. People are working hard and they need to feel the benefit of that work in their pockets."

Deputy Fleming also welcomed measures in the Budget to help local small and medium sized businesses and retailers with rising costs.

“I am pleased that my Fianna Fáil ministerial colleagues have announced an increase in the employer PRSI threshold from €552 to €600 per week for 2027. It will support SMEs and ease the PRSI impact on businesses arising from the increase in the National Minimum Wage,” he said.

'The €4.80 Budget' - Laois TD says Budget failed families and workers However, the reaction from Laois politicians to the Budget has been mixed. Fine Gael TD Willie Aird also welcomed the measures announced and said they would “help people get ahead.”

On the other hand, Laois TD Brian Stanley and Senator Maria McCormack heavily criticised the Budget for failing working people, families and young people.