SU-2526-23
Comhairle notes
The rising cost of living in Ireland. As of 2026 the living wage in Ireland is €15.40
p/h, as calculated by the Living Wage Technical Group (source livingwage.ie)
Comhairle notes with concern
The living wage shows no sign of decreasing (having risen from €11.45 p/h in 2014), and the government has given no indication that they will raise the minimum wage to meet the living wage requirements for a basic standard of living (Hirsch and Moore, 2011)
Comhairle further notes
The number of students engaged in precarious work paid at minimum wage. The lack of investment in the higher education sector further pressures students to make ends meet in college via paid work. This is reflected in a wider university trend of understaffing, leading to poor conditions and pay for postgraduate students.
Comhairle firmly believes
That the University of Galway community should be a leader in work environment, conditions, and pay, reflecting core values of respect for all employees on campus and the value of good practice.
Comhairle therefore mandates
That University of Galway Students’ Union actively campaign, allied with relevant groups where possible, to introduce a living wage or higher across campus, including for postgraduate students, temporary, and contracted staff.
