What is a living wage?

A ‘living wage’ of €11.45 an hour would provide an acceptable minimum standard of living to employees, according to research by campaign groups.

Ireland’s minimum wage is €8.65 an hour. But the cost of housing, transport and other essentials means many on low wages are struggling to make ends meet.

One in five workers earns below the living wage. One in six people living in poverty in Ireland has a job, a group often called the working poor.

Campaigners say a higher minimum wage is vital to bridge a growing divide between those with good jobs and those in insecure, part-time and low-paid work.

Minimum wage and basic living standards are likely to form the centre of political debate in the coming months, given the differences between the Coalition partners.