Cutting public spending by €4bn will result in the collapse of public services, according to ICTU General Secretary David Begg.
Addressing the SIPTU conference in Tralee, he said there was no way such cuts could be implemented without having catastrophic effects on the civilised standards of society.
'You cannot crucify people by forcing this adjustment in such a short period of time.'
Mr Begg said he failed to understand why the Revenue Commissioners had not collected €1.8bn in tax due to the Exchequer.
He said he was also amazed to read that health insurance companies owed the health service €174m for private accommodation in public hospitals.
