The Junior Minister for Jobs is calling for an increase in the minimum wage.

Independent John Halligan wants to see the hourly minimum rise to €11.50 over the next two years – a 25% increase on current levels.

The proposal is a significant step up from the Government’s current plan to increase the minimum wage to €10.50 over the next five years.

The Sunday Business Post reports that Minister Halligan has been heavily criticised by employers’ group IBEC which sees the comments as “unhelpful”.