The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says implementing cuts to the public service pay bill through agreement would send out a message to the world that Ireland is committed to fixing its problems.

Enda Kenny made the comments during his address at the IBEC CEO conference in Dublin this morning.

The European Commission President Jose-Manuel Barosso is also speaking.

A series of union meetings take place today to discuss the measures in the revised Croke Park Agreement.

Unions give response to deal

Already 2 teaching unions and the largest civil service union in the country have declared they will be advocating a no vote.

Today the Central Executive Committee of the IMPACT trade union meets.

As one of the key negotiators and with a membership of 63,000 workers, its stance is seen as crucial.

The Taoiseach also said Ireland will be able to exit the bailout programme by the end of the year with the help of Europe.

He says the most troubled economic period of the decade is behind us.

But as unions prepare to meet today to discuss their response to the extension deal, the Taoiseach said an agreement is a crucial part of the recovery.