159. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current living wage as calculated by the Government’s formula at 60% of the median wage for 2026; the amount this works out at per year; the amount this works out at per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50044/26]

The Low Pay Commission’s 2025 annual report notes that:

“Using Labour Force Survey (LFS) data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) matched with quarterly wage data from tax returns made available by the Revenue Commissioners, the Low Pay Commission has estimated a median hourly wage for 2024 as €23.08. Using the CSO’s Structure of Earnings Survey (SES) the Low Pay Commission has estimated a second median hourly wage of €21.68 in 2024.”

Their report further noted that:

“Using LFS data and average wage growth forecasts results in median wage forecasts of €23.96 for 2025 and €24.84 for 2026. Using SES data and average wage growth forecasts results in median wage forecasts of €22.51 for 2025 and €23.34 for 2026.”

Following the Low Pay Commission’s approach of using the midpoint of the LFS and SES provides an estimate of 60% of the 2026 median wage of €14.45.

The gross annual wage of an employee working 39 hours a week and 52 weeks a year and earning €14.45 per hour is €29,304.60.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates and projections only and are subject to change.

I expect that the Low Pay Commission’s 2026 report and recommendations will include updated estimates and projections of the median wage, based on new CSO survey data and revised wage growth estimates and projections.

The Low Pay Commission’s 2026 report is due to be submitted to me by the third Tuesday in July.