Taoiseach not being frank with ‘Paddy’

In the Dáil last week, Enda Kenny insisted the Government had “no intention” of allowing the wave of public service retirements impede on frontline services.

“There are 300,000 persons employed in the public sector. 3% of these are leaving. 97% will remain in situ. Clearly the flexibility that is inherent in the Croke Park Agreement will now be put to the test. The Government have no intention of allowing a situation where frontline services are not able to be fulfilled.”

But on Monday, Health Minister James Reilly said some elective surgeries may have to be postponed until a way is found to manage the 2,263 or so departures from the health system.