Howlin remains silent on implementation of public service pay cut

The Public Expenditure Minister will not say whether he will legislate to implement a pay cut across the board on public servants.

Brendan Howlin had threatened such a move if the Croke park II deal was rejected - which unions did earlier this week.

Mr Howlin said that the result does not change the fact the coalition needs to save €300m this year.

He has rejected Sinn Féin suggestions that the deal did not hit high earners enough.

"To ask for a contribution of people proportionately, from 5-9% going up from €65,000 is reasonable," he said.

"If you look at these proposals had they been implemented as you will see in a parliamentary question, a minister would earn a full €100,000 than ministers that were paid in the height of this."