The Taoiseach says he's "very anxious" that the public starts to feel the economic recovery in their pay cheques.
Enda Kenny was speaking ahead of the first Cabinet meeting of the year - which will focus on job creation and the economy.
Earlier, the Public Expenditure Minister said he hoped to open discussions on public sector pay in the second quarter.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he wants to give everybody "hope" for the year ahead:
Meanwhile, The Public Expenditure Minister says he wants to open discussions about public sector pay in the spring.
Brendan Howlin says it’s time to look beyond the Haddington Road Agreement - which expires next year.
He says, depending on the state finances, that he hopes to engage with unions to wind down the emergency measures which govern public pay.
Minister Brendan Howlin says that could take place as soon as the second quarter - to give clarity for the years ahead:
