Pascal Donoghue was speaking at the Tullamore Court Hotel this morning.
The Finance Minister is paying tribute to "huge contribution" that people in Offaly are making to the country's economy.
His comments come after some sustained criticism from local business people about the increasing cost of trading in Ireland.
Minimum wage has been increased year on year in successive budgets, along with increasing PRSI and energy costs.
Paschal Donoghue says his department has to support lower earners as the cost of living increases:
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