The Tánaiste says she wants all employers to pay the Living Wage of 11.50 per hour - including the Government.

Joan 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.

A forum to debate the issue was held at Dublin Castle today.

Some small businesses say they wouldn't survive introducing the measure - while others have called on the Government to lead by example.

Director of the Small Firms Association Patricia Callan says it will be very difficult for some: