Michael Cahill
Ceist:293. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update in regards to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13805/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 19 February 2026
Ceisteanna (293)
Freagraí scríofa
I can confirm that this is being followed up by officials in my Department who have extended an offer to meet with the employer in question and discuss the matter.
I fully recognise the essential role the long-term care sector provides to some of the most vulnerable members of society, and I appreciate the pressures facing the sector. However, the changes to the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) thresholds are being implemented in accordance with the statutory requirements set out in the Employment Permits Act 2024. Under this legislation, an annual review of the MAR must be undertaken, and where average weekly earnings have increased, the MAR must increase by at least a corresponding percentage. This is a legal obligation on my Department and the legislative framework does not provide scope for deferral.
The primary objective of the MAR framework is to ensure that employment permit holders have sufficient earnings to live in Ireland without reliance on State supports, and to prevent undercutting efforts to improve pay and conditions, or modernisation and productivity measures.
The review of employment permit minimum annual remuneration that was completed last year was extensive and informed by broad consultation. Over 150 submissions were received, with more than one-fifth coming from the health and social care sector, including individual nursing homes. Concerns raised by the sector contributed to the decision to move from a 2023 Roadmap that would have completed increases by 2026, to a revised, more gradual implementation extending out to 2030. This ensures a fair balance between workers’ rights, labour-market integrity and business sustainability.
Throughout the review process, my Department engaged in detail with the Department of Health. Provisional MAR estimates were provided to Health officials during Summer 2024 to support planning for the 2026 Estimates process. I have been informed that consideration of the MAR changes has been incorporated into National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) negotiations for this year. The Fair Deal budget has increased from €968 million in 2019 to €1.362 billion in 2026, including a €92.2 million increase this year.
Direct engagement with the sector on the MAR has also been considerable. Sectoral representatives, met with Minister Dillon and officials on 6th November 2025. A further meeting with sectoral stakeholders, discussing this matter, was held by my officials on 15 January 2026.
My Department remains committed to ongoing, structured engagement with the long-term care sector, including through enhanced cross-government collaboration being developed with the Department of Health. I appreciate this employer’s engagement and the constructive tone in which these matters have been raised, and I encourage continued participation through relevant sectoral forums as this work progresses.