Starting tomorrow, Ireland’s minimum wage will rise by €0.80 to €13.50 per hour, benefiting around 195,000 workers. However, small business owners express concerns about rising operational costs, which may lead to increased consumer prices. Industry leaders like Mark O’Keeffe and Vincent Jennings warn that these cost pressures could jeopardize their businesses. Trade union representatives advocate for the wage hike as a necessary support for low-paid workers, highlighting past predictions of economic collapse that did not materialize after previous increases.