A Sinn Féin TD has accused Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil of leaving workers "high and dry" by failing to increase the national minimum wage.

Maurice Quinlivan said he was astonished to see no mention of an increase in today's Budget.

"This move will have a very negative impact on the finances of 137,000 workers who currently earn the minimum wage, and when coupled with the new carbon tax, will only add to their financial difficulties," he said.