Businessman calls for reduction in minimum wage

One of Ireland's leading businessmen is calling for a reduction in the minimum wage.

Sean O'Driscoll - the Chief Executive of the Glen Dimplex Group - also said the Croke Park Agreement is "no longer fit for purpose".

Ireland's rate of €8.65 an hour is 36% higher than the minimum wage in the UK, 70% greater than Greece, 98% higher than Spain and 164% more than Portugal.

Figures from Eurostat also show Germany doesn't have a minimum wage.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association is accusing the Government of "mismanagement, incompetence and reckless trading".