The Taoiseach has defended the government decision to cut over 80 allowances for public sector workers.

The allowances being axed will affect the pay of gardai, nurses, soldiers and local authority workers.

Enda Kenny said that while some allowances are classed as core pay savings can be made in other areas.

Enda Kenny also says public sector unions will today be presented with new evidence that further savings can be made when he meets them later today.

The Tánaiste meanwhile is refusing to say how much will be saved by cutting the 88 allowances.

Fianna Fáil says one of the allowances will save a total of just €2,500 while another will deliver less than €20,000.

Despite repeated questioning in the Dáil this morning Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore would only say the public service pay bill has been reduced already by €3.1 billion.

While the Taoiseach will today chair a meeting of the Croke Park Implementation Body.

He says there is clear evidence that new savings can be achieved.

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