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Government wants to protect frontline services in Budget 2012: Kenny

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government is committed to completing its full term
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government is committed to completing its full term

The Taoiseach has said the Government is looking at structures within each department in an effort to avoid cutting frontline services.

Enda Kenny reiterated that the Croke Park Agreement would be honoured in full.

He said it had delivered in terms of a reduction in public service numbers and pay, but must do more so frontline services are protected.

The Taoiseach said between now and the Budget every minister is looking at how they propose to get further evidence of the agreement being implemented, in terms of rosters and allowances.

Mr Kenny said the focus of the Government was to provide jobs and restore the economy.

Fine Gael TDs and Senators met today in Co Mayo to discuss political priorities for the coming Dáil session, including the planned referendum on children's rights.

Mr Kenny said that he does not intend to "trigger the collapse of the Croke Park Agreement" on public service pay.

When asked if pensions, increments and allowances could be tackled within the context of the current agreement, the Taoiseach said that he did not want to get into "individual details".

Mr Kenny said that the media seemed intent on focusing on "differing voices" in Government, but he stressed that it is committed to reaching the end of its term.

"Let me assure you, I have spoken at length to the Tánaiste last week, we've spoken at length at Cabinet about this," he said.

"There is a complete focus from the Fine Gael Party and the Labour Party to see this Government through to its finality, not to turn our back on the mandate given to us by the people, and to make the difficult choices."

The Taoiseach said that external factors continue to impact Ireland's economy, but that Ireland's Yes vote on the Fiscal Treaty referendum strengthened his hand in Europe.

He said that he expects the decision of the European Council in June, which specifically mentions Ireland, to be implemented.

Mr Kenny said a Cabinet reshuffle was not a priority for his Government.

He said there should be no distractions for ministers ahead of the Budget.