Howlin committed to Croke Park Agreement

The Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin has said he has no intention of re-negoiating the Croke Park Agreement.

Mr Howlin said it is delivering savings and reforms and he is committed to it so long as that continues.

The Minister has also rejected in the Dáil demands from some Fine Gael backbenchers who have reportedly told the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to ditch the agreement.

Mr Howlin said in the Dáil: "I have heard lots of people say the Croke Park Agreement is an impediment to progress, but I want to know what is Croke Park stopping... happening.

"Unless people just want a straight forward cut across the public service, let them spell that out if that is what they are saying."