Laois workers ‘left out’ of Budget - Fine Gael councillor complains to Tánaiste Simon Harris

A Laois Fine Gael councillor is calling on her party colleague, An Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, to undo the 2026 Budget decision that "left out" most ordinary workers, by then Minister Paschal O'Donoghue.

"Most workers were left out. I don't want to see another budget like that," Cllr Vivienne Phelan said, while tabling a motion to Laois County Council's February meeting.

She is asking Tánaiste Harris to use Budget 2027 to support all workers. 

"Looking at Budget 2026, most workers were left out. Anyone on the minimum wage got an increase of 65 cents per hour, that only impacts 8 to 10% or workers. There was no significant broader band increase. With inflation, even if average earners managed to get a hard earned payrise, they are often no better off unless the tax bands are changed because the extra is taxed at a higher rate.

"There are a lot of workers in Laois on modest incomes who are not feeling rewarded for their work. There are huge pressures in the cost of living, rising costs of everything, food, fuel, childcare, accommodation, utilities and everything else," said Cllr Phelan, a vet who represents the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. 

"I would like to see all workers see a tangible improvement in their take home pay in Budget 2027.

"A lot of commuters from Laois are also caught with the increases in the cost of fuel due to carbon taxes for their cars to be able to get to work. So a significant cohort in this county lost out on two fronts and I don't want to see another budget like that. I want to see the Government supporting all workers, whether part time, full time or self employed," Cllr Phelan said.

Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin seconded her motion.

"Since Covid the cost of living has risen astronomically across the board in every sector, wages have not kept pace with the cost of living. It's important there's a package to support workers. VAT needs to be looked at specifically," he said. 

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley supports the motion too.

She described the budget last October as "probably one of the worst budgets I've ever seen, in terms of working class people and self employed people".

"They absolutely got nothing. And yet Budget 2025 was a bonanza giveaway before the general election. I couldn't understand last year why workers were completely left out. The ceiling for the higher rate of tax never increased so people are going into the higher rate a lot quicker, and left with nothing.

Read next: Laois councillors back local IFA farmers on Bord Bia beef controversy

"What's very interesting is there was tax cuts given to the big hoteliers. We all know, if you go stay in a hotel, they're charging astronomical prices. people are actually going out of the country because they can't afford to spend a weekend away in this country.

"Big companies like McDonalds and Starbucks all got their tax relief, cut from 13.5% to 9%, so there was money there. It came down to choices. The Government decided to give the tax breaks there and leave the ordinary PAYE worker out to dry. 

"It's a disgrace that it's been left almost a year before that can be rectified. We need to ensure we never see another budget like that again. 

Read also: 'Disappointed' no extra bus stops planned in Portlaoise town

"People are absolutely crippled. They are telling me they're out working, and just paying bills, they can't afford a night out, they have no quality of life, they can't bring their children to anything, they are paying astronomical mortgages and childcare. Basically working to pay bills," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

A letter will now be sent to the Tánaiste asking for all workers to be supported in Budget 2027.