Taoiseach refuses to answer questions on PRSI hikes

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he will not say whether a hike in PRSI would be the same as increasing income tax, and therefore a u-turn on a Coalition promise.

Mr Kenny has been quizzed in the Dáil after a speech by the Social Protection Minister Joan Burton.

Ms Burton suggested increasing PRSI for both employers and workers may be needed to deal with the deficit in the social insurance fund.

However, Mr Kenny has banned any Budget debates outside of the Cabinet table and refused repeated attempts by the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to answer if PRSI hikes were on the agenda.