On International Workers’ Day, the spotlight has once again turned to a controversial issue in Ireland’s labour market: sub-minimum wages for young workers. According to the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), more than 27,000 young people are currently earning less than the standard minimum wage; a figure that has sparked renewed calls for reform.
Ireland remains one of the few countries in the EU where workers under 20 can legally be paid less than the full minimum wage. These reduced rates are structured by age, meaning younger employees may receive as little as 70% – 90% of the adult rate, regardless of their experience or responsibilities. The NYCI argues that this system amounts to “age-based pay discrimination,” sending a troubling message that younger workers’ contributions are inherently less valuable. Ms Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI, has warned that such policies deepen inequality and undermine living standards for young people already facing rising costs of living.
Beyond fairness, there are growing concerns about exploitation. Research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) suggests some employers may rely on lower youth wage rates to offset rising labour costs as the national minimum wage increases. This creates a system where young workers are not only paid less, but may also be more vulnerable to insecure and precarious employment conditions. For many young people, minimum wage jobs already offer limited stability. Lower pay rates can make it even harder to afford basic living expenses or plan for the future.
The NYCI believes abolishing sub-minimum wages is a necessary step toward ensuring dignity, equality, and fair treatment in the workplace.
As Ireland moves toward a “living wage” model in the coming years, pressure is mounting on policymakers to act. Ending sub-minimum pay rates would not only align Ireland with broader European standards but also signal a commitment to valuing all workers equally,regardless of age.
Recall of a batch of GoodLife Spicy Bean Burger due to the possible presence of plastic pieces.
Alert Summary Dated Thursday, April 30th 2026.
Category 1: For Action Alert Notification: 2026.17 Product Identification: GoodLife Spicy Bean Burger; pack size: 454 g Batch Code: L6030; best before date: 28/07/2027
Message: The above batch of GoodLife Spicy Bean Burger is being recalled due to the possible presence of plastic pieces. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.
Action Required:Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers, retailers and consumers:
Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.
Mr Hall passed away peacefully at his place of ordinary residence, surrounded by his loving family.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Anne, daughters Sarah and Sinéad, sons Robert and Kevin, grand-daughters Meadhbh, Clodagh and Éadaoin, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Hall, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Hall family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Note Please: Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Irish Cancer Society in memory of Mr Robert (Bob) Hall.
Pre-deceased by his parents Nora and Benny, sister Ann, nephew Casey, grand-daughter Amber, great grandson Jimmy, parents-in-law Francie and Molly Cleary and brother-in-law Albert; Mr Stone passed away peacefully at his place of normal residence, while in the care of his loving family.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Marie, daughters Evelyn, Nora and Maria, son Albert, sons-in-law James and Pa, daughter-in-law Christine, adored grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers Benny and Seamus, sister Vera, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and wonderful friends.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Stone, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Stone family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Nora, husband Michael, son Donncha and siblings Michael, Billy, Kitty, Joan, Alice, Peggy, Nora and Charlotte; Mrs O’Sullivan passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of staff at St Teresa’s Nursing Home, Thurles, following a short illness.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving daughters Marie, Siobhán and Theresa, brother Jackie, grandchildren Gráinne, Eoin, Olga and Rimma, great granddaughter Brianna, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mrs O’Sullivan will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule, Thurles, (Eircode E41 HH66), on Saturday afternoon, May 2nd, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening. Her remains will be received into the Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry (South Riding), Thurles, to further repose for Requien Mass on Sunday afternoon, May 3rd, at 1:00pm, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.
The extended O’Sullivan and Sparrow families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
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