Kenny to fiscal council: It is a matter for government to make decisions
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has responded to criticism about last month's budget by saying decisions are a matter for the Government.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council says the Government's failure to implement a €2bn austerity budget as planned will leave the national debt €10bn higher in 2018.
They also criticised the lack of a medium-term economic strategy and spending plan.
But Mr Kenny says the decisions to be made were ones for the Cabinet.
The Taoiseach said: "First of all, the fiscal council is completely independent and we value their existence and the objective comments that they make.
"Obviously at the end of the day, it is a matter for government to make decisions, but we do appreciate what the fiscal council have been doing over the past number of years.
"Government have accepted some their recommendations, not all of them by any means, from the fiscal council."
