Micheál Martin: “It’s not about timelines. I do think that that’s an issue that has to be discussed and dealt with.”

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

If that's not a platform for negotiations, I don't know what is.

The rate of growth is declining. But to use words like ‘brutal’ is completely over the top, if you don't mind me saying so, and a gross exaggeration.

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.