Higher wages would hurt competitiveness, Kenny claims

The Taoiseach is playing down hopes of any increases to private sector wages.

Enda Kenny said Ireland's competitiveness could be undermined if private wages are increased, as proposed by SIPTU president Jack O'Connor.

His comments came as the cabinet published a new plan to help stimulate small businesses.

Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Minister Bruton at the #allaboutjobs press conference now: pic.twitter.com/7ASSiAdz5t

— Government of Ireland (@GovIE) February 6, 2014

The Taoiseach explained that the government would set up new offices to give help to people setting up new firms.

"Each local enterprise office will be a local hub for enterprise support, so that somebody with an idea or a proposal or business can walk in there and get all the information that they need to expand, or set up, or whatever their particular issue might be."