Micheál Martin: “I think for the United Kingdom under your leadership to take the stance that its taken, I think, is important for……”

I do not believe the basis exists for industrial action. I don't believe the public should have to endure that, because there have been significant tax cuts in the Budget, which will help workers.

I was involved in these issues in the previous government and agreement was hammered out at that stage - an agreement was arrived at, and we want to do well by honouring that agreement on all sides.

I've made my position clear in terms of where I think there can be derogations, and there doesn't need to be a picket.

We will be growing expenditure this year. There's no cuts here.