The Tánaiste Joan Burton says she wants all employers to pay the living wage of €11.50 per hour - including the Government.

Ms Burton made the remarks after the Labour Party committed to paying staff the living wage - which was proposed by an expert group as the minimum rate to allow people a decent standard of living.

Some small businesses say they would not survive introducing the measure, while others have called on the Government to lead by example.

Tánaiste Burton says every employer in the country should eventually pay the living wage.

Over 120 people - including trade union representatives, employers and civil society organisations - attended today's event to discuss the government-backed idea.

Oxfam, Cluid Housing and the Labour Party have signalled their support, but small businesses here say the proposal will not work.

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Ged Nash, explains.