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Our Government has recognised that Ireland has the highest minimum wage in Europe after Luxembourg. However, new research from the European Commission (EC) has brought an interesting fact to light. When Ireland’s minimum wages is adjusted to reflect purchasing power based on the cost of living here, the Irish minimum wage drops four places to sixth in Europe. Our minimum wages then is lower than that paid in the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
There is speculation that the Government is looking at adjusting our minimum wage particularly if it “becomes an impediment to job-creation” according to Brian Lenihan, the finance minister. Michael Martin, the foreign affairs minister also feels that the future of our minimum wage should be open to discussion.

Currently, when looked at in monetary terms only, recipients in Ireland are paid €1,462 per month compared with €1,642 in Luxembourg and €1,010 in the UK. However, when compared in purchasing power the gap between the countries narrows considerably. There is only €2 difference between the value in Ireland and in the UK. Interesting……