The new research also found that the majority of teenagers who could be paid the sub-minimum wage rate are receiving higher pay

The USI said some students are working below the national minimum wage to pay for their education.

A Universal Basic Income system entitles all adults to receive the payment, regardless of whether they are employed or how much they earn

Leo Varadkar appeared before the Oireachtas t Committee on Gender Equality on Thursday

Trade unions have criticised Government plans to increase the minimum wage by 80 cent to €11.30 an hour, saying it does not go far enough to address the cost-of-living crisis