Kenny: Budget will be 'in best interests of people'

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the Government will make budgetary decisions that are "in the best interests of the people and the country".

Mr Kenny's comments come after a Government watchdog called for even deeper cuts and tax hikes over the next four years.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council said a correction of €15.8bn should happen between now and 2015 rather than the €11.8bn planned.

Mr Kenny said: "I think it's important that an entity like the Fiscal Council is allowed to do its job and make its recommendations from their perspective as they see it."

The Taoiseach said the council was established to advise the Government and its arguments will be listened to.

He said: "The job of government is to make decisions in what the Government consider are the best interests of the people and the country and that's what Government will do.

"But this report does deserve consideration, and it will receive that from the Government."