Junior Minister for Business and Employment says he believes the time is right for a "Living Wage" campaign.

Ged Nash today called a one day conference to consider the measure, under which employers would agree to pay their workers a minimum of €11.50 an hour.

The rate is based on an independent assessment of the income needed to meet people's basic needs.

Business groups have expressed concerns about proposals - saying they will raise unrealistic expectations among workers.

But on the Last Word, Ged Nash said it was employers who approached him about bringing in the scheme: