Bruton rejects calls for ‘living wage’ for the lower-paid

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton has dismissed calls for a “living wage” for the lower paid and said tax cuts are a priority for workers to help boost the economy.

The Fine Gael minister’s comments clash with Labour’s Joan Burton, social protection minister, who wants employers to give top-up pay to low-paid workers under a living wage system.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Bruton also outlined his department’s priorities for job creation in 2014.