Taoiseach: Deficit will be reduced to 8.6%, 'no matter what'

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the Exchequer deficit will be reduced to 8.6% next year, no matter what it takes to achieve it.

Speaking at an event ahead the Global Irish Economic Forum tomorrow, Mr Kenny said he wanted to devise ways of dealing with the country's debt outside of the tax system.

He also said Ireland's corporation tax of 12.5% was no longer an issue and was not subject to change.

However, he added: "It is imperative that the Government be not afraid to make decisions in the interests of the Irish people and the country, to explain what those decisions are and to have them demonstrably fair and proportionate."