Taoiseach defends Budget in Dáil and says it brings us to 'a fork in the road'

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the Budget brings us to "a fork in the road".

Enda Kenny has defended the Budget in a speech in the Dáil this afternoon insisting it was not a return to boom and bust.

He's again re-iterated that the election will not be until next Spring.

The Taoiseach used his Dáil speech to say the choice for voters will be a return to instability or more recovery and further increases in the minimum wage.

In his speech the Taoiseach said: "The past few years have been difficult for the people of Ireland, but their efforts have made it possible for Ireland to exit an international bailout, reduce our debts and to safely progress into recovery."